The Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns and Bustle – www.optimumSeniorCare.com
 
Tuesday, January 16
11:00 a.m. – noon (CST)   12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (EST)
– OR –
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.(CST)   2:00 – 3:00 p.m.(EST

Achieving a balance between caregiving and self-care can be a difficult process, but learning how to manage caregiver stress doesn’t have to be! Discover ways to approach stressful situations and become a more balanced caregiver, both for your loved one with dementia and for yourself.
Christine Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC
Co-owner of Kenosis Counseling Center, Inc

Christine Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC is co-owner of Kenosis Counseling Center, Inc, a community-based outpatient practice. She maintains a successful private practice with specialized training in trauma, including CISD and certification as an EMDR therapist. She is a state board member for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Indiana Chapter) as well as a member of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Family Advocacy Outreach Network. Much of her clinical work is dedicated to those who are in a caregiving role of a loved one, whether from dementia, mental illness, addictions, suicide loss, etc. She encourages family members to attend to self-care in order to sustain energy for continued caregiving. Additional specialties include anxiety management, women’s issues, marital enrichment, as well as working with gifted and profoundly gifted children, teens and families.

Free Live Webinars

INDIANA / KENTUCKY / ILLINOIS RESIDENTS
New Website “ALZWebinars.org” is Coming Soon!
In the meantime, please register for webinars on this page.

Join us for one, or all!

The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce its schedule of free live webinars. Offered at various times throughout the day, the topics range from general awareness to specific caregiving strategies. Webinars are recorded and available to those who are unable to attend.

Watch Past Webinars

? Upcoming Webinars (view description & register)

The Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns and Bustle
Tue Jan 16, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST

Researching Alzheimer’s Treatments: Where are We Now?
Wed Feb 21, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST)

Coping with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia: Strategies You Can Use Today
Wed Mar 28, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST)

Managing Multiple Medications with Dementia: How to Get the Most from Your Medications
Tue Apr 3, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST)

Legal and Financial Considerations for Alzheimer’s disease: What You Need to Know Right Now
Wed May 16, 2018 at 10-11am CST (11-Noon EST)

Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s: Separating Fact from Fiction
Wed Jun 6, 2018 at 10-11am CST (11-Noon EST) or 2-3pm CST (3-4pm EST)

? Watch Past Webinars

Alzheimer’s, Supplements and Rumors: What Does the Research Say
12.06.17

Lights, Sound & Touch: Multisensory Tools that Can Help People With Dementia
11.09.17

Over and Over: How to Deal with Repetitive Actions and Questions in People with Dementia
10.31.17

When to See a Doctor: Alzheimer’s Symptoms vs. Normal Aging
10.24.17

I have Alzheimer’s disease: A Discussion with Tom Ostreicher
09.27.17

Making Simple Changes: How to Use Everyday Physical Activities to Improve Cognition
09.14.17

Dementia: It’s Not Just Alzheimer’s disease
08.24.17

Guilt & Alzheimer’s: Why Caregivers and Family Members Often Feel They Can Never Do Enough
08.15.17

Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s
07.12.17

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

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Alzheimer’s Webinar / Phone Program this Month: “Effective Caregiving: Best Friends Approach” and ” Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns and Bustle”  – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Tuesday, January 9
noon to 1:00 p.m. (CST)   1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (EST)
Virginia Bell, M.S.W;

Join author Virginia Bell, co-creator of the internationally recognized Best Friends Approach™ as she talks about how to use person-centered care with people living with dementia. This approach has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce challenging behaviors through a focus on relationships and the person’s life story. Participants will come away with a refreshing new perspective on dementia care!

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

New webinars for 2018 – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Start the New Year with a new lineup of webinars every month. Explore interesting and helpful topics such as “The Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns and Bustle” or “Researching Alzheimer’s Treatments: Where are We Now?” Can’t watch it live? Don’t worry, all webinars are recorded and available to watch at a later time.

Free Live Webinars

INDIANA / KENTUCKY / ILLINOIS RESIDENTS
New Website “ALZWebinars.org” is Coming Soon!
In the meantime, please register for webinars on this page.

Join us for one, or all!

The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce its schedule of free live webinars. Offered at various times throughout the day, the topics range from general awareness to specific caregiving strategies. Webinars are recorded and available to those who are unable to attend.

Watch Past Webinars

? Upcoming Webinars (view description & register)

The Caregiver Balance Beam: Burnouts, Breakdowns and Bustle
Tue Jan 16, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST

Researching Alzheimer’s Treatments: Where are We Now?
Wed Feb 21, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm E

Coping with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia: Strategies You Can Use Today
Wed Mar 28, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST

Managing Multiple Medications with Dementia: How to Get the Most from Your Medications
Tue Apr 3, 2018 at 11-Noon CST (12-1pm EST) or 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST)

Legal and Financial Considerations for Alzheimer’s disease: What You Need to Know Right Now
Wed May 16, 2018 at 10-11am CST (11-Noon ES

Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s: Separating Fact from Fiction
Wed Jun 6, 2018 at 10-11am CST (11-Noon EST) or 2-3pm CST (3-4pm EST)

? Watch Past Webinars

Alzheimer’s, Supplements and Rumors: What Does the Research Say
12.06.17

Lights, Sound & Touch: Multisensory Tools that Can Help People With Dementia
11.09.17

Over and Over: How to Deal with Repetitive Actions and Questions in People with Dementia
10.31.17

When to See a Doctor: Alzheimer’s Symptoms vs. Normal Aging
10.24.17

I have Alzheimer’s disease: A Discussion with Tom Ostreicher
09.27.17

Making Simple Changes: How to Use Everyday Physical Activities to Improve Cognition
09.14.17

Dementia: It’s Not Just Alzheimer’s disease
08.24.17

Guilt & Alzheimer’s: Why Caregivers and Family Members Often Feel They Can Never Do Enough
08.15.17

Learning to Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s
07.12.17

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Respite care can help Alzheimer’s caregivers recharge – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Respite care provides caregivers a temporary break while the person living with Alzheimer’s disease continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

Respite Care

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Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

• Using respite care
• Types of respite care
• Overcoming concerns

Using respite care

Caregiving is demanding — and it’s normal to need a break. Seeking help does not make you a failure. Remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.

Respite care can provide:

• A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax

• Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor

• Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual

Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:

• Interact with others having similar experiences
• Spend time in a safe, supportive environment
• Participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs

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Plan Ahead: Respite Care for Unexpected Situations

Emergencies, unplanned situations or unexpected trips can create a need for immediate care by an alternative caregiver. Try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you’re ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust — including family, friends and neighbors — about helping out in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have contact information for the person with dementia’s medical team as well as a list of all current medications (with dosage and frequency taken) easily accessible at all times.

Types of respite care
Use our free online calendar. Our Care Team Calendar helps coordinate when friends, family and neighbors can help out with caregiving.

Respite care can be provided at home — by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service — or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• Companion services to the individual with companionship and supervised activities
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services

Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

Residential facilities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.

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Learn caregiving tips, where to find support, and the care options available to meet the person with Alzheimer’s changing needs. Subscribe now.

TIP: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.

LEARN MORE:
In-Home CareAdult Day CentersResidential Care Facilities

Overcoming concerns

From our Blog

A Healthy Resolution for Caregivers: Finding “Me Time”
My wish for caregivers this year is to make a promise to yourself that you can keep. Make it simple. Make it just about you. Read more.

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:

• Cost: You may be concerned about how to pay for services. Look into financial assistance such as scholarships, sliding scale fees or government programs. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to learn what kind of financial assistance may be available.
• Reliability: You may be concerned about the dependability of the aide or service. Those who work for an agency or facility should be reliable and well trained, and are often certified. Ask each individual and facility about training and qualifications. If hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check references.
• Guilt: You may believe that you should be able to “do it all. “Seeking help does not make you a failure. It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

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We Can Help

Do you have questions about care? Would you like to connect with other caregivers for support? The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.

• Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
• Locate a support group in your community
• Visit our message boards

Top Resources

• Take Care of Yourself (PDF)
• Caregiver Stress
• Late-Stage Caregiving
• Care Options
• Community Resource Finder

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Local woman creates knitwear to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Megan was just 8 years old when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. After a long battle with the disease, her grandmother passed in September 2016. Since then, Megan has dedicated her time to raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and educating others about the reality of Alzheimer’s disease through a talent she has – knitting.

Local woman creates knitwear to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease

This time of year is always difficult for Megan Russell – the holidays remind her of the devastating affects Alzheimer’s took on her grandmother and the toll it took on her family.

When Megan was just 8 years old, her grandmother, the matriarch of her family, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In September 2016, after a long battle with the disease, her grandmother passed, with her grandfather passing shortly after. Since then, Megan has dedicated her time to raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and educating others about the reality of Alzheimer’s disease.

“I kept thinking about how I knew that there was something more that I could do, there was some talent I knew that I could utilize to get people interested and get people motivated enough to donate,” Megan said. “Then it kind of just clicked my head…”

As an avid-knitter, she created “Lasting Memories Knitwear,” an avenue to sell hand-made knitwear with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.

The Chicago resident fulfills each order with a photo and personal story of someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. She wanted more than to raise funds. She wanted to show people that Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just what you see in the movies.

“I feel like a lot of people’s only knowledge of Alzheimer’s is what they saw in “The Notebook” (and that was dementia, not Alzheimer’s) or they know the symptoms factually, but they don’t really understand how that affects a family or a relationship with a married couple,” Megan said.  “Receiving that story in their package ultimately makes them feel like they are contributing towards helping people continue those stories. They will remember that feeling every time they put their knitwear on.”

From scarves to hats, Lasting Memories Knitwear has all of your essentials to prepare you for the Illinois winter. Megan and her team hand-make each item with patience and love, similar to the qualities needed when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Each piece takes anywhere from one to a few hours to prepare, depending on your order.

Through Lasting Memories Knitwear, Megan hopes to raise $1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you’re interested in purchasing a piece of knitwear and supporting Megan in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease or volunteering as a team knitter, visit the Lasting Memories Knits Etsy page at etsy.com/shop/LastingMemoriesKnits or email Megan at lastingmemoriesknitwear@gmail.com

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

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