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| Home > Newsletters > Connections Newsletter Spring 2012 - Vol.3, No.1
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©Family Caregiver Alliance
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 Spring 2012
Volume 3, Number 1 | www.caregiver.org
(800) 445-8106 |
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Table of Contents
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| Letter from the Director
Quarters for Caregivers: Signatures needed to save CA CRCs
Lead Article Topics
- Alzheimer's Association Talking Points
- CA Budget & Family Caregivers
- Moving Loved Ones from Hospital to Home...
- Tax Tips for Caregivers
- Placement Decision for Loved Ones
- Quote: Overcoming
- Juggling Caregiving From Afar
- Caregivers and Stress
-Caregiver College...
-When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens
-Planning Today for Tomorrow (legal planning workshop)
-Updated: Alzheimer's & Caregiving Fact Sheet
-Quote: Feelings
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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Quarters for Caregivers  By Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance Total dollar valuation of unpaid services per family caregiver per year in CA: $8,000;
Total dollar amount of state funds for family caregivers: $2.9 million;Total public investment per 5.9 million family caregivers in the state: 50 cents; Total value of family caregivers to their families and society: priceless. You may remember this data from a chart in an April blog entry of last year, but it still speaks true today with some updated figures---California's contribution for explicit support of family caregivers is 50 cents per caregiver. Now contrast that with the individual caregiver's economic value of assistance they provide everyday: $8,000---some 47 billion dollars a year in the aggregate. Now the Governor's budget wants to cut even this tiny level of support for caring families in the state. Don't let this happen . . . [Continue reading] for ways you can help, or click the graphic below right now to sign in support of Caregiver Resource Centers. Thank you for your signature  in support of such a vital resource to our communities. - Kathy Kelly Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance |
LEAD ARTICLES
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Alzheimer's, Art, and Community: A Screening and Panel Discussion
San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum Access Program presents a special sneak preview screening Sunday, March 11 (2:30-4:30 PM), of the groundbreaking documentary You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't by Director-Producer Scott Kirschenbaum, followed by an insightful panel discussion exploring the intersection of the arts, social services, and the quality of life of individuals living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. The panel discussion aims to create dialogue between diverse members of the Alzheimer's community. . . . [Read more]
Don't Balance the California Budget on the Backs of Family Caregivers
In Governor Brown's proposed FY 2012-13 budget, funding for the 11 state-wide California Caregiver Resource Centers would be completely eliminated.
The Caregiver Resource Centers offer much-needed support in a variety of ways to informal caregivers who are oftentimes overwhelmed, physically, emotionally, and financially, with their caregiver responsibilities.
The California Caregiver Resource Centers are asking family caregivers throughout California to join us in a grass-roots campaign and tell Governor Brown that now is not the time to eliminate funding for California's families, especially women, who provide the majority of care. California's senior population is expected to double by 2030 to 8.84 million (18% of California's population).
Through this grassroots campaign, we are asking Governor Brown and the State Legislature to restore the funding ($2.9 million) to the FY 2012-13 budget. But we need your help. . .
[Read more . . . how you can get involved]
Unpaid Caregivers Provided An Estimated $202 Billion In Dementia Care In 2010 Caring for a family member with the personality-draining disease can take a hefty financial and emotional toll. Nearly 15 million people fall into the role of unpaid caregiver for those sick with dementia...
Helping a Sick Loved One Transition from Hospital to Home At the point your loved one enters the hospital is when you should begin planning for their return home. The link below offers an action plan and other details to help make the transition smoother...
Tax Tips for Caregivers, 2011 tax year Caregivers are often eligible for some tax deductions. Don't shortchange yourself! Here's help for caregivers to understand tax laws and take advantage of the tax benefits that are available when supporting an elderly parent... http://www.agingcare.com/Tax-Tips-for-Caregivers
Making Placement Decisions for a Loved One One of the hardest decisions caregivers will face is the decision on whether to place a loved one in an adult assisted living facility, and facing the guilt and other emotions that inevitably come with it. The following article provides tips and questions to ask as this difficult decision is being made... http://www2.hernandotoday.com/lifestyles/health-4-you/2011/dec/08/hbnewso3-making-a-decision-on-an-alf-takes-diligen-ar-332250/
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Overcoming. . .
Pressure is often a true test of our commitment and motivation. Caregivers who throw in the towel at the first sign of a little opposition or difficulty won't get very far.
A little bit of pressure can help to bring out the best in us. Heart is the ability to rise to any occasion, no matter what the circumstances, day in and day out.
Resist giving in, keep on fighting
Pressure will enhance my job, not hurt it.
Excerpted from "The Gift of Caregiving", Daily inspirations, Affirmations and Tips. Author Rebecca Sharp Colmer, EKLEKTIKA Press, Inc., Chelsea, MI 48118, Copyright 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9823250-2-55
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As America ages, millions try to juggle ailing parents' caregiving needs from afar
The National Institute on Aging estimates around 7 million Americans are long-distance caregivers, and with these distances come the stresses of not being on hand if a loved one slips and falls, or if there is a medical emergency and you're not around to help. There are no easy answers...
http://www.newsday.com/news/millions-now-manage-aging-parents-care-from-afar-1.3481625
Stress in America: 2011. 55% of Caregivers Are Overwhelmed by Amount of Care They Provide
The American Psychological Association recently released results from its Stress in America survey. The survey polled 1,226 U.S. residents, and 44% of respondents reported that their stress has increased over the past five years...
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=2535#research1 |
FCA PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
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(For information on or to register for any event below, call FCA's Education Coordinator at 800-445-8106, ext. 317)Spring 2012 March 10th Caregiver College
If you help care for someone frail, disabled, with a chronic illness or cognitive impairment, then it's back to school for you! This popular program for learning and sharing is FREE, with the following topics presented: Caregiver Self-Care, Behavioral Issues, Incontinence/Toileting, Bathing/Grooming/Hygiene/Dressing and Dental Care. (Refreshments served). Register and view details here.
March 20th
"When Everybody Talks and Nobody Listens: Siblings Working Together!" 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.
April 11th & May 9th
"Planning Today for Tomorrow : A legal planning workshop" PLEASE NOTE: This workshop will be presented in two parts on two separate dates, April 11 & May 9, 2012 Many of us provide care for a family member without a clear understanding of the legal issues related to caregiving. Come with your questions and join us to learn: - What is the difference between a will and a trust?
- How important are the Advanced Health Care Directive and the Durable Power of Attorney?
- What is a Conservatorship?
- All you ever wanted to know about Medi-Cal
Register and view details here.
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CAREGIVING INFORMATION
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FACT SHEET: Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving
Newly revised! Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a condition that causes abnormal changes in the brain mainly affecting memory and other mental abilities. Alzheimer's is a disease, not a normal part of aging...review our newly updated online fact sheet.
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Feelings. . .
Caregivers cannot continue indefinitely when we are feeling strong negative emotions. We should ask ourselves where the emotions are coming from. We should be aware of the situations that elicit strong emotions in us.
Boundaries are often felt out rather than figured out!
I will listen to my feelings.
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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| 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.
? 2012 Family Caregiver Alliance. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the express permission of Family Caregiver Alliance.
785 Market Street, Ste. 750, San Francisco, CA 94103
www.caregiver.org | 415.434.3388
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A Word from our Executive Director, Kathleen Kelly
Quarters for Caregivers
Total dollar valuation of unpaid services per family caregiver per year in CA: $8,000;
Total dollar amount of state funds for family caregivers: $2.9 million;Total public investment per 5.9 million family caregivers in the state: 50 cents; Total value of family caregivers to their families and society: priceless.
You may remember this data from a chart in an April blog entry of last year, but it still speaks true today with some updated figures—California's contribution for explicit support of family caregivers is 50 cents per caregiver. Now contrast that with the individual caregiver's economic value of assistance they provide everyday: $8,000—some 47 billion dollars a year in the aggregate.
Now the Governor's budget wants to cut even this tiny level of support for caring families in the state.
Don't let this happen.
Don't let the first in the country caregiver support program—the Caregiver Resource Centers—and the enabling legislation disappear. The Caregiver Resource Centers are the only program in the state that provides practical information and support every year for over 12,000 caregivers of persons with adult onset brain impairments regardless of age, income or where you live.
The majority of caregivers served by the Caregiver Resource Centers (CRC) are in the workforce, middle income and juggling job, caregiving and other family responsibilities. The CRCs are the eldercare resource information provider for small and medium sized businesses that cannot afford employee assistance programs. And the presence of a trained and supported family caregiver is the best insurance against higher cost medical care and placement in a nursing home.
Quarters for caregivers. Caregivers who are our family members, our neighbors, our friends, our work colleagues and perhaps even ourselves. Now everyone has a story of caregiving. Tell yours to the Governor and legislature. And tell them quarters for caregivers are not enough.
Act Now - Tell Your Story on Why the Caregiver Resource Centers are Important and Should be Saved:
*Tell your story at a hearing in Sacramento: We'll post updated information on the petition website.
Thank you for your signature 
in support of such a vital resource to our communities.
- Kathy Kelly,
Executive Director,
Family Caregiver Alliance
Alzheimer's, Art, and Community: A Screening and Panel Discussion
San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum Access Program presents a special sneak preview screening Sunday, March 11 (2:30-4:30 PM), of the groundbreaking documentary You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't by Director-Producer Scott Kirschenbaum, followed by an insightful panel discussion exploring the intersection of the arts, social services, and the quality of life of individuals living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. The panel discussion aims to create dialogue between diverse members of the Alzheimer's community. . . .
You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't is a touching account of Lee Gorewitz's life inside the Traditions Alzheimer's & Other Dementia Care Unit at the Reutlinger Center for Jewish Living in Danville, California. A total immersion into the fragmented day-to-day experience of the illness, the film depicts the Alzheimer's odyssey of a woman who will not let us forget her even as she struggles to remember herself. This film will receive its national broadcast premiere on March 29, 2012 on PBS' Emmy award-winning series Independent Lens. It is the first documentary filmed entirely within an Alzheimer's care facility, and the first told from the perspective of someone living with Alzheimer's.
For more details, visit the Contemporary Jewish Museum website.
Don't Balance the California Budget on the Backs of Family Caregivers
In Governor Brown's proposed FY 2012-13 budget, funding for the 11 state-wide California Caregiver Resource Centers would be completely eliminated.
The Caregiver Resource Centers offer much-needed support in a variety of ways to informal caregivers who are oftentimes overwhelmed, physically, emotionally, and financially, with their caregiver responsibilities.
The California Caregiver Resource Centers are asking family caregivers throughout California to join us in a grass-roots campaign and tell Governor Brown that now is not the time to eliminate funding for California's families, especially women, who provide the majority of care. California's senior population is expected to double by 2030 to 8.84 million (18% of California's population).
Through this grassroots campaign, we are asking Governor Brown and the State Legislature to restore the funding ($2.9 million) to the FY 2012-13 budget. But we need your help. . . .
How you can get involved:
- The first step is to sign the CRC petition on Change.org. Through this petition, we are demonstrating to Governor Brown and to the California State Legislature that family caregivers should not be expected to take on this challenge alone.
- Next, share the actual petition link ("URL") (http://www.change.org/petitions/dont-balance-californias-budget-on-the-backs-of-family-caregivers) with your friends, family, and networks. This could include adding a link to your website, providing a summary in your newsletter, or can be as simple as posting the link to your Facebook page and asking your friends to sign the link.
- Send a letter to your state elected officials. The California Caregiver Resource Centers will deliver the signatures that we gather to the Governor and the State Legislature, but receiving a letter in the mail is another powerful reminder that caregivers matter. Here's an example letter to get you started, and putting in your own caregiving experience will make the letter stronger.
- Send a letter to the editor or submit a guest Op-Ed to your local newspaper about the importance of supporting family caregivers. We are providing a few resources below if you need any statistics.
- Stay engaged. The CRC's will call on your support in the coming months, and this could include asking you to make visits to your legislator's offices, making phone calls, or sending additional letters.
We thank you in advance for your support, and like you, we believe that California's 6 million family caregivers deserve better.
Resources:
Statistics on caregivers in California:
- Stressed and Strapped: Caregivers in California
- California's State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease: An Action Plan for 2011-2021
- Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update - The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving
- Independence at Risk: Older Californians with Disabilities Struggle to Remain at Home as Public Supports Shrink
Stories about Caregiver Resource Centers:
- Del Mar Times: "Del Mar resident heads nonprofit helping 'unsung' caregivers"
- NPR: "Camp For Alzheimer's Patients Isn't About Memories"
- HealthyCal.org "Del Mar offers caregivers a helping hand in Salinas"
- Chico Enterprise-Record: "Budget cuts: Who will care for the caregivers?"
Videos about Caregiver Resource Centers:
- Southern Caregiver Resource Center 25th Anniversary: Interviews with family caregivers
- Southern Caregiver Resource Center 25th Anniversary: Message from Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
Special Thanks to Our Wonderful Donors!
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 November 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012, many in response to our Fall Appeal. We thank our donors for their generosity and community spirit.
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We wish to give special thanks to the following:
Viviane Ames
in memory of Yvonne Ames
Joan C. Benjamin
Helen K. Cahill
Kristopher Coffey
Alberta C. Dixon
Moira Fordyce
David Goldsmith
Amanda Hamilton
Ping Hao
Margaret Hartmann
Bayani Ison
Thomas Johnson
Kathy Klein
Sara Kruse
Jeff Kumataka
in memory of Lily Kumataka
Susan K. Lang
Kathryn Lee
Ann K. Ludwig
Helen S. Luey
Jay Luxenberg
William R. Lyman
William Lynch
on behalf of Bill & Pat Lynch
Janet L. Moore
in honor of her mom, Gon Wah Lum
Kathy Murphy
Anna M. Peck
Diana Petty
PG&E Company
Laurie Raz-Astrakhan
in honor of Kendra Van Ausdal
and Laura Pullen
Richard A. Rieger
Ruth A. Rosenberg
Jordan Shields
Margaret Wallhagen
Wells Fargo
Sue Wong
Gifts were made in memory of:
Evelyn Louise Costa
by Lorraine Andersen
Jane Johnston
Harriet A. Kammeraad
Nanette Martin
Carol Minner
Judy E. Robertson
Patricia Sainsbury
Harriet Yasui
Evelyn and Manuel Costa
by Elizabeth J. Sunseri
Lois M. Goldsby and Minnie B. Williams
by Stacy Goldsby
her husband
by Jacqueline M. Smith
Carol Kirsch
by Howard Kirsch
Irving and Miriam Levy
by Barbara J. Meislin
Marie Lisha
by Dina Lisha
Lee Lustig
by Ruth Lustig
his mother June McNamee
by Sheldon McNamee
Jane Matsumoto and Vivian Russo
by Elizabeth Messmer
Clara Miles
by Jacqueline Johnson
JB Pattison
by Margaret V. Peterson
William Ribner
by Marcia Ribner
Vivian Russo and Jane Matsumoto
by Elizabeth Messmer
Clarence Wehner
by Karey Wehner
James Whitlatch
by Heather Menne
Minnie B. Williams and Lois M. Goldsby
by Stacy Goldsby
Gifts were made in honor of:
Jo McCord
by Pam Roberts
Jeanette Walters
by Gina Walters
Gifts were made on behalf of:
Manuel Baldonado
by Edna Baldonado
Betty Bartlett
by Christine Bartlett
California
by Alan Fabyancic
California Assistive Technology Coalition
by Richard Smith
Margie Ford
by C.Y. Ford
Kenny Hum
by Timothy Yip
Fernando Rocha
by Grace Alexander
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Thank you also to the following generous donors:
W. R. Abbott
Barbara Ann Ackerman
Jane Allardt
Evi Altschuler
Julie Alvarado
Patricia Amodeo
Shirley Amsbury
Phyllis Annett
Emil Arnold
Sandy Aulakh
Dorothy D. Badal
Toni Bailey
Don R. Baker
William E. Barham
Sharona Barzilay
Bonnie J. Bell
Gerry Belling
Estelle Bern
Surinder Birak
Pauline Bishop
Roberta L. Block
Paula Bocciardi
Dorothy L. Bolden
Laurel A. Botelho
Joceline Boucher
Eric Boucher
Gloria Braas
Seymour Bross
Timothy Brown
Judith Bryer
Ada Burko
Salvatore Cagnina
Carol Callaway
Peter Carlson
Gloria Cevallos
Ellen Champlin
Byron Chan
Susan Chew
Christine Clark
Kathleen M. Cohn
Jean Coleman
Elaine Conn
Bernice Croston
Katherine Currin
Steven D'Amico
Peggy daSilva
Robert W. Davis
Charles E. Dewey
Betty Diamond
Ann Dzuna
Eddie Mae Eddings
Hannelore Edwards
Winifred Emery
Joseph Eng
Kathy Erickson
George Estrada
Mary Faherty
Ruth Fallenbaum
Lynn F. Feinberg
Lois C. Feller
Linda Ferrante
Laura Figueiredo
Doris R. Fine
Rose Flahavan
Carolyn Franklin
Stanley Friedman
Peter Gascoyne
Mairee Gatewood
Irwin J. Gibbs
Arthur Gilbert
Alice M. Gonnerman
Pierre M. Hahn
Greg Haley
Steve L. Haley
Angela Hall
Douglas Hamilton
Dolores Hansen
Lola Harris-Dunlap
Robin Hayr
Esther Henley
Steven Higaki
Elaine Hilp
Lois Hirsch
Home Sweet Home Health Care
Victor Honig
Leigh A. Hurst
David Ishida
Karen Ivy
Leroy Johannaber
Brent Kato
Mary J. Kelley
Colette Kelly
Kathy Kenny
Rewanna Kimbrough
Martha Kimmich
Patricia E. Klahn
Melburn Knox
Cheryl Kojina
Sandy Kortie
Elaine Kudlick
Alan E. Kurtz
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Philip M. Lally
Seth Landefeld
Lori LaPorte
Mary P. Lavin
Laveta Lawrence
Bonnie Lawrence
Mary M. Leddy
Andrew Lederer
Betty Lee
Lansing Lee
Wayne Liebl
Carol Lippold
Louise A. Lively
Carol Livingston
Rachel Lovett
Waverly Lowell
Irene Lucido
Patricia Lusse
Cecile Marie
Edward Mason
Judith McCord
Brenda McGaffie
Barbara McGettigan
Phyllis Menefee
Judy Metzger
Marvin Meyers
Michael Mihalko
Dennis M. Monticelli
Leslie V. Morales
Glenn Muckey
Thomas Munro
Penny Nakatsu
Mary T. Negi
Stephanie Neira
Vladimir Nemirovsky
Phyllis H. Ng
Katharine Ousterman
Evelyn Owens
James Palmtag
Joel Panzer
John Parker
Susan Pasco
Joan Pearson
Kay Pellicciarini
Barry R. Phegan
Marianna Pieck
Floyd Pittman
Robert Prantis
Marilyn G. Reiss
Barbara Riley
Jane J. Risk
Luisa Robaina
Micaela Robles
Quintin Rodriguez
D.V. Ruben
Elizabeth Ruiz
Mona Rusk
Esther Sabin
Isabel Sam-Vargas and Alan Gevins
Julie A. Schablaske
Katharine Schultz
Fred Schurkus
Kristine E. Schwabacher
Shirley Schwoerer
Maria Scott
Denise Selleck
Dina Sherstinsky
Barbara Siegel
Dev Singh
Robert Slesnick
D. Clifford Smith
Margaret Smith
Robert Solotar
Gerald Spindel
Duane L. Stevens
Aaron Strauch
Susan Stull
Ida Teshima
K.M. Thompson
Paul L. Thrash
Maria Tindall
Nancy Toder
Wesley W. Tom
Nellie B. True
Hillary Turner
Sharon Udkoff
Carol Van Steenberg
Marilyn Walker
Mary-Ann Wallace
John Watson
David Waugh
Debra J. Webb
Billee Werby
Doris Whitt
Clay Wiens
Alan B. Wilson
Mary L. Wilson
Susie Wong
Norma L. Wynn
Roberta Yamagami
Susan Yamamoto
Eva Yarmo
Sharon L. Yow
Gust H. Zumas
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We also wish to thank the following for providing matching funds:
Aetna Foundation
Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program
Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
Does your employer match charitable donations? Many do, and it's an easy way to increase your charitable giving!
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© 2012 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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