Monthly Archives: April 2016

Register for an educational program on Learning to Connect – Alzheimer’s disease

Posted on by
Reply

Join us on Saturday, May 14 for an educational program on, Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s. The event will take place from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Public Library
1101 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Feeling unsure or ill at ease spending time with a person with memory loss? By understanding the disease and how it affects the brain, you can more easily make meaningful connections with a person with Alzheimer’s disease. This program will provide insight into memory loss and dementia and the effect on communication and behavior. It will also introduce participants to techniques that can be used to make visits more comfortable and meaningful.
Can’t attend this program? See our calendar for upcoming programs near you.

IMPORTANT: Matching Gift Challenge just announced – Alzheimer’s Association

Posted on by
Reply

IMPORTANT: Matching Gift Challenge just announced – Alzheimer’s Association

Thank you so much for your past support of the Alzheimer’s Association. I’m reaching out with a very exciting opportunity to make your gift go twice as far in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
A foundation, that wishes to remain anonymous, has agreed to give $600,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we can raise that same amount by May 31.

Your gift today can be matched dollar for dollar:
$35 ? $70
$60 ? $120
$120 ? $240

This foundation has a long-standing history of supporting organizations that benefit and inspire local communities, and this gift will enhance our local care and support services. Your generous gift today can go twice as far toward 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.
Our Spring Matching Gift Challenge is a critical opportunity to make one gift and have twice the impact. When you donate today, your gift of $35 can become $70, a gift of $60 can become $120 — or your especially generous gift of $120 can become $240.
With more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease, your support of this limited-time opportunity is so important. Please help us make our Spring Matching Gift Challenge a success with a generous donation today. Thank you.

21 opportunities to learn during May

Posted on by
Reply

21 opportunities to learn during May

If you are curious about memory loss, look at The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters. If you need specific knowledge or just something to make your life easier, try Caregiver Stress: Relief, Acceptance and Empowerment or learn about Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. No matter where you are in the journey we have a program that will help.

Education Programs Calendar

There are currently 68 education program events listed in our database. To view and register for our events, use the search tool below.

Search for events by education program

Educational Programs by Phone

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Legal and Financial Planning

Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-Stage Caregivers

Caregiver Stress: Relief, Acceptance and Empowerment

Understanding Early Memory Loss

Dementia Conversations

Alzheimer’s Research: Get Informed, Get Involved

Effective Communication Strategies

Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior

Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus

Live Webinars

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

Fighting Dementia Through Joyful Living

Professional Education

Search for events by month

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

September 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

Search for events by city

Bensenville

Bloomington

Bourbonnais

Carbondale

Charleston

Chatham

Chicago

Decatur

El Paso

Elmhurst

Eureka

Evanston

Freeport

Glendale Heights

Jacksonville

Lake Zurich

Lincoln

Mahomet

Marion

Minonk

Mokena

Mundelein

Murphysboro

Naperville

Palatine

Rockford

Romeoville

Schaumburg

Sparta

Springfield

St. Charles

Woodstock

Families should talk openly about driving and Alzheimer’s disease

Posted on by
Reply

Families should talk openly about driving and Alzheimer’s disease

Driving demands quick reaction time and fast decision making — because of this, a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia will eventually become unable to drive. Making decisions about when it’s time to stop driving can be difficult, but dealing with the issue early on can help ease the transition.

Dementia & Driving Resource Center

Driving demands quick reaction time and fast decision making — because of this, a person with Alzheimer’s will eventually become unable to drive. Dealing with the issue early on can help ease the transition.

Read more

Watch how four families deal with different issues related to dementia and driving.

A Supportive Conversation: Frank has early stage Alzheimer’s and the doctor said it’s no longer safe for him to drive. His wife doesn’t drive, but knows it’s time to discuss finding alternative transportation. Full Screen

Bookmark this page | Email | Print

Having the conversation

Get a Customized
Action Plan

Go to our free online tool,Alzheimer’s Navigator, to receive step-by-step guidance on topics including driving and home safety.
Learn more:
Alzheimer’s Navigator

Losing the independence driving provides can be upsetting. It is important to acknowledge a person’s feelings and preserve his or her independence, while ensuring the person’s safety and the safety of others.
Starting the conversation

  • Initiate a dialogue to express your concerns. Stress the positive and offer alternatives.
  • Address resistance while reaffirming your unconditional love and support.
  • Appeal to the person’s sense of responsibility.
  • Reinforce medical diagnoses and directives. Ask the physician to write a letter stating that the person must not drive. Or ask the physician to write a prescription that says, “No driving.” You can then use the letter or prescription to reinforce the conversation.
  • Consider an evaluation by an objective third party.
  • Understand that this may be the first of many conversations about driving

When the conversation does not go well
Some people give up driving easily, but for others this transition can be very difficult. Be prepared for the person to become angry with you, due to the memory and insight issues that are part of Alzheimer’s.

  • Be patient and firm. Demonstrate understanding and empathy.
  • Acknowledge the pain of this change and appeal to the person’s desire to act responsibly.
  • Ask a respected family authority figure or your attorney to reinforce the message about not driving.
  • If the conversation does not go well, do not blame yourself. The disease can impair insight and judgment, making it difficult for people to understand that their driving is no longer safe. Also the disease can cause mood and personality changes that make reactions more pronounced.
  • As a last resort, take away the car keys, disable the car or remove the car completely. When you do any of these things, be sure to provide safe, reliable alternative transportation.

We Can Help

Each situation is unique. What works for one person may be different from what works for another. You can get the information and support you need from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Back to top

Planning ahead

Learn the facts about driving safety.

Plan ahead before driving becomes an issue. This provides an opportunity to make choices and maintain independence and safety.
Learn more:
Driving Safety Guide (PDF)

For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it is never too soon to plan ahead for how you will get around when you can no longer drive. Putting a plan in place can be an empowering way to make your voice heard.

Tips for planning ahead

  • Remember that each situation is unique. What works for one person may be different from what works for another. You can get the information and support you need from the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.
  • Involve family and close friends in the plan.
  • Confront resistance. Empathize with those who are uncomfortable having the conversation and stress the importance of preparing for the future.
  • Develop an agreement for all to share that includes practical safety steps, such as a periodic driving assessment, a GPS monitoring system for the car, and alternate transportation options.

Transportation options

Sign a driving contract.

A driving contract allows you to share directions for what you would like to happen when you can no longer drive.
Learn more:
Contract (PDF)

Driving is not the only transportation option available. There are many options people can explore that will allow them to continue to travel independently and remain in control of their mobility.

  • Transition driving responsibilities to others. Arrange for family members and friends to provide transportation.
  • Arrange a taxi service.
  • Use special transportation services for older adults. Access local resources using the Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.gov or use our Community Resource Finder to search for transportation services.
  • Reduce the need to drive by having prescription medicines, groceries or meals delivered.

LEARN MORE:
National Transportation Resources

Back to top

Signs of unsafe driving

Determining when someone can no longer safely drive requires careful observation by family and caregivers. The following list provides warning signs that it’s time to stop driving:

  • Forgetting how to locate familiar places
  • Failing to observe traffic signs
  • Making slow or poor decisions in traffic
  • Driving at an inappropriate speed
  • Becoming angry or confused while driving
  • Hitting curbs
  • Using poor lane control
  • Making errors at intersections
  • Confusing the brake and gas pedals
  • Returning from a routine drive later than usual
  • Forgetting the destination you are driving to during the trip

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

Want more info about Alzheimer’s and safety? Sign up and receive helpful tips, plus be the first to know about new safety services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Subscribe now.

Driving evaluation

At the earliest stages, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may begin to have difficulty with complex tasks such as driving. Although family and caregivers can watch for signs of unsafe driving, a proactive strategy would be to get a comprehensive driving evaluation by an occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialist. The evaluation provides a more objective understanding of the current impact of the disease on driving capacity and results in a plan of options. The goal is always to retain the highest level of independence and mobility in the community. Initial recommendations may include strategies to reduce driving risk during the early part of the disease. The occupational therapist can offer strategies specific to the individual’s goals and needs. The American Occupational Therapy Association website includes a national database of driving specialists as well as a wealth of resources for both persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.  

LEARN MORE:

Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-and-driving.asp#ixzz4734xcUar

Sign up for May’s educational program by phone

Posted on by
Reply

Sign up for May’s educational program by phone

Join us on May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. for an educational program by phone on, Making the Move: Choosing a Nursing Home, Alzheimer’s Unit or Assisted Living Facility. Moving our loved ones to a residential facility can be one of the hardest decisions we are faced with. Safety, affordability, quality care, fun and friendship all factor into this important decision. Join us to learn a step by step decision-making process.

Educational Programs by Phone

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

Making the Move: Choosing a Nursing Home, Alzheimer’s Unit or Assisted Living Facility
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
[ click here ]

Successful Daily Plans for a Person With Alzheimer’s disease
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
[ click here ]

Listen to past Audio Conferences

Program and Date

Listen

Anxiety, Aggression and Alzheimer’s: Effective Strategies For Difficult Times
[ click here ]

Minds in Motion: What’s The Best Way To Exercise Your Brain?
[ click here ]

“Overwhelmed? Run, Don’t Walk to Get Help Now!”
[ click here ]

Paying For Alzheimer’s Care: What Resources are Available?
[ click here ]

Specific Strategies You Can Use Today for Helping People with Memory Loss
[ click here ]

Sundowning Sleeplessness and Alzheimer’s
[ click here ]

Tune In to Music: It is a Powerful Tool
[ click here ]

Description:
Are you too busy to attend an in-person education program? Our Educational Program by Phone are designed for busy people who aren’t able to attend a program outside of their home or office. Registration is easy–call or click (see below) and you will receive a toll free number to call, and materials to follow along during the program. Call from your home, office, or car. You can listen in, or if you’d like, you can even ask questions of our expert speakers.

Making the Move: Choosing a Nursing Home, Alzheimer’s Unit or Assisted Living Facility
Lee Moriarty, CTRS ,
Illinois Pioneer Coalition Founding Board Member and
Consumer Project Manager
Moving our loved ones to a residential facility can be one of the hardest decisions we are faced with. Safety, affordability, quality care, fun and friendship all factor into this important decision. Join us to learn a step by step decision-making process, and receive a workbook that will help guide you through this transition.

Successful Daily Plans for a Person With Alzheimer’s disease
Hadi Pagonis, Manager, Education & Outreach
Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
If you want to hit a home run when caring for a person with memory loss, it helps to have a game plan that is heavily focused on activities. Being an arm chair quarterback and saying, “Hey, why don’t you work on your crafts now?” just won’t work. Managing our energy while helping the person with memory loss to be actively engaged will bring satisfaction and fun to all. Join us to score some strategies for fun!

Registration: