We need to change these statistics – Alzheimer’s Association

As the year winds down, consider these sobering statistics: In 2013, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may nearly triple to a projected 13.8 million.

We know donors like you are committed to changing those numbers because we met the $10,000 challenge match generously sponsored by the Feis family! Now, Vicki Bever Cox and her husband, David Cox, have offered to give the Alzheimer’s Association an additional $10,000 if we raise the same amount by December 31, 2013.

Please help us take advantage of this important matching gift challenge.

Vicki’s father, Ellis Bever, had Alzheimer’s disease, as did Ellis’ mother and brother. Ellis was a brilliant lawyer who recognized what was happening to him long before the rest of his family. Vicki’s mother began donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in his honor, and now Vicki and David are pleased to continue her support of our vital work.

Your gift of $50 can become $100; $100 can become $200 – any amount you give can go twice as far in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Together, we can change the future of this disease.

Please make your tax-deductible gift by December 31, 2013.

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The clock is ticking on our year-end challenge – Alzheimer’s disease

Thanks to donors like you, we met our $10,000 challenge match generously sponsored by Abbe Rubin. We’re so grateful for your support!
We’re excited to announce that a second donor has stepped forward with $15,000 year-end matching gift challenge. You have another opportunity for your gift to go twice as far.
When Yunni Pao started to show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, his family reached out to their local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for help. Thanks to the chapter’s services the Pao family was better able to prepare for Yunni’s care and plan for the future.
Grateful for the help their father received, Henry and Debbie Pao will donate $15,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we can raise the same amount by December 31, 2013. Their generous gift will benefit local care and support services.

Your tax-deductible year-end donation of $50 can become $100, or a gift of $100 can become $200. Any amount you give will help us continue to pursue our mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The Pao family invites you to join their commitment to the cause by matching their gift of $15,000. Please give today!

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Greater Illinois Chapter seeks spring semester interns

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is looking for motivated and capable college students to apply for three internship opportunities, two in our Joliet office and one in Springfield.
Learn more about the job responsibilities, requirements and schedule for these exciting internships openings.

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is looking for motivated and capable college students to apply for three internship opportunities, two in our Joliet office and one in Springfield.
Learn more about the job responsibilities, requirements and schedule for these exciting internships openings.

Position Title: Special Events, Intern
Location: 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704 AND 850 Essington Rd. Suite 200 Joliet, IL 60435

Type: Internship – Unpaid
Length: Spring Semester (January to May)
Hours: Schedule is flexible – Monday through Friday. Student should expect to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week.
Job Description:
– Coordinate the Forget Me Not tag days fundraiser for the Springfield office. This will include, but not be limited to: secure tagging locations (storefronts, intersections, etc.) in and around Springfield, secure and communicate with volunteers, and support staff
– Assist staff person with tasks on days of the event – Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17
Applicants must have a car and driver’s license. This position requires an individual to be self-motivated and committed to seeing a project from start to finish. Training will be provided on the job by supervisor.

To Apply: Those applying for the position in Springfield can email a resume and cover letter to Tina Arnold, Manager, Special Events, tarnold@alz.org.
Those applying for the position in Joliet can email a resume and cover letter to Paige Knebel, Manager, Special Events, pknebel@alz.org.
Position Title: Education and Outreach Intern
Location: 850 Essington Rd. Suite 200 Joliet, IL 60435
Type: Internship – Unpaid
Length: Spring Semester (January to May)
Hours: To be determined by student schedule, Up to 40 hours/week
Job Description:
– Focus on community education and outreach in the office territory
– Teaching the Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss to community members, caregivers and possibly persons with Alzheimer’s disease
– Attend networking opportunities in the community to represent the Alzheimer’s Association as needed
– Attend planning meetings for upcoming events as needed
– Work with program staff to promote programs throughout chapter territory
– Responsible for cold calling, potential community partners
– Research and attend Health Fairs and Volunteer Fairs in the Joliet territory
– Work to increase general concern and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association
– Assist staff members with other outreach and clerical projects as needed
– Other duties as assigned
Applicants will need to have previously obtained computer skills in google, email and office suite, as well as the ability to speak to large and small groups, and exceptional organizational skills. Knowledge or experience with Alzheimer’s disease is preferred but not required.

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Start the new year with an Alzheimer’s audio conference

Too busy to attend an educational program? Audio conferences are designed for those who aren’t able to attend a program outside the home or office.
Once registered, participants will receive a toll-free telephone number with instructions. The next audio conference, Navigating the Divide: Effectively Communicating with Persons with Dementia, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 14. Register now.

Cost: None.

Registration
Register online below or to register by mail or fax, click here to download form.

Dates and time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Program

Day

Register

Navigating the Divide: Effectively Communicating with Persons with Dementia
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
[ click here ]

Asking for Help – Accessing the Supports You Need
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
[ click here ]

Music Therapy At Home, On Your Own
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
[ click here ]

Understanding, Minimizing, and Responding to Behavioral Symptoms
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
[ click here ]

Family Dynamics – What is Your Role?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
[ click here ]

Beyond Medication – Therapies to Enhance Quality of Life
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
[ click here ]

Listen to past Audio Conferences

Program and Date

Listen

Encouraging Comfort Care
[ click here ]

Improving Communication
[ click here ]

Maximizing Independence in Early Stage
[ click here ]

Music & Memory
[ click here ]

Strategies to Promote Successful Activities
[ click here ]

Description:
Are you too busy to attend an educational program? Audio Conference is designed for those who aren’t able to attend a program outside the home or office.

Once registered, you will receive through the mail, a toll free telephone number with instructions. On the day of the conference you will call-in and join many others who are seeking the latest information on memory loss.

Navigating the Divide: Effectively Communicating with Persons with Dementia
Suzy DeWilde, Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative
Dementia affects the way a person communicates both verbally & non-verbally- learn aboutboth in this program designed to help you navigate the divide. Problem behaviors which act as barriers to effective communication will be addressed and techniques to manage them presented. Unspoken physical cues will be identified and methods to effectively address them discussed. Tools to better engage persons with dementia, thus increasing the person’s quality of life, will also be introduced.

Asking for Help – Accessing the Supports You Need
Melissa Tucker, Senior Manager, Helpline- Alzheimer’s Association- Greater Illinois Chapter
One of the greatest burdens of care-giving is the sense that you are doing it all on your own. Care-giving is isolating for many reasons – the overwhelming day-to-day demands make it difficult to seek out resources and find solutions. In addition, we may have internal obstacles that inhibit us from accessing our support network. We prize independence, we don’t want to burden our children, and we may feel like we should be able to do it all. Explore ways to reach out for support, and the importance of sharing the journey with those who can help.

Music Therapy At Home, On Your Own
Joyce A. Benton, Director-Evergreen Place/Normal
Have you ever noticed when a certain song comes on the radio, it can transport you to adifferent time in your life, or completely change your mood? Music can touch every person in some way and can be a powerful tool when caring for someone with dementia. Let this session remind you of the simple ways to keep music in your life as well as those in your care.

Understanding, Minimizing, and Responding to Behavioral Symptoms
Danielle Dodson, LCSW, Care Navigator, Clinical Supervisor, Alzheimer’s Association -Greater Illinois Chapter
The unpredictable behaviors of a person with dementia – such as agitation, aggression,sundowning and paranoia – can be some of the most stressful symptoms for caregivers tomanage. Chances are the diagnosed individual feels distressed in these instances as well.This audio conference will explore reasons why individuals with dementia may exhibitchallenging behaviors, how caregivers can help minimize these behaviors, and approachesto responding when such behaviors do occur.

Family Dynamics- What is Your Role?
Gwen O’Leary, Caregiver, Author, CEO, Aprons4Alzheimer’s
By sharing her own story of shared caregiving, Gwen will address why a family needs to heal before they can provide care; why you should ask your doctor to write a prescription for a family meeting; how their ‘End of Life’ conversation became their guide book; tips for calming anxiety, anger; and how to let go with love and humor.

Beyond Medication- Therapies to Enhance Quality of Life
Sandy Burgener, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor Emerita, University of Illinois
Did you know a wide range of therapies, other than medications, have been studied andfound to be beneficial for persons with memory loss, even those with more advanceddisease? Dr. Burgener will briefly describe these therapies within this program, including the stage of memory loss for which they are most appropriate.

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Shop to fight Alzheimer’s this holiday season

Take care of your holiday shopping while contributing to the fight against Alzheimer’s by visiting Shop for the Cause. Find a gift for a person with the disease, a caregiver or anyone interested in supporting the Alzheimer’s Association’s care, support and research efforts.

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