Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter seeking new Board members

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, one of the largest of the Association’s chapters in the country, is currently seeking candidates to fill volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. Board candidates must have a strong commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, objectives, values and strategic direction. From February 1 to May 1, candidates may apply online, download a print version of the application, call 847.933.2413 or email ecolborn@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, one of the largest of the Association’s chapters in the country, seeks candidates to fill volunteer positions on its Board of Directors.

Positions are for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2015. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting Chapter strategic implementation plans in accordance with the national Association nationwide strategic plan and overseeing a multi-million dollar Chapter budget that supports programs and services for over 210,000 people in Illinois with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the hundreds of thousands of family, friends, and professionals who are caring for them.

The Board governs on behalf of those affected by Alzheimer’s and our donors and assures appropriate organizational performance, which includes fulfilling the mission for the organization, determining the Chapter’s future direction in compliance with national policies, and ensuring the Chapter’s fiscal health.

Board candidates must have a strong commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, objectives, values and strategic direction. They should be generalists who have a blend of knowledge, skills and relevant experiences in such areas as finance, law, business adnunistration, public policy, fund raising, comnunications, and volunteerism. Board members must be willing to reach out to their personal contacts with the goal of securing significant monetary and other support for the work of the Chapter and the Association. Board members must reside in the territory served by the Greater Illinois Chapter.

We are specifically seeking individuals with professional experience in the following disciplines: social media, marketing/public relations, finance (CFO or CPA), and fundraising.

The Greater Illinois Chapter’s Governance & Nominating Committee is inviting individuals who meet the qualifications to apply from February 1 to May 1, 2015. All candidates will be evaluated by the Committee and the selected finalists will be interviewed in May or early June, 2015. The final slate will be presented to the Board for election at its June meeting.

Included in this application are details of the position as well as application instructions and timelines. Candidates may apply online at alz.org/illinois, may download a print version of the application linked above, contact the Office of the President at 847-324-0366 or email ecolborn@alz.org. Please share these materials with someone you feel may be both interested and appropriate for consideration.

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People with dementia may sometimes repeat statements and questions

A person with Alzheimer’s may do or say something over and over — like repeating a word, question or activity — or undo something that has just been finished. In most cases, he or she is probably looking for comfort, security and familiarity. People with dementia who ask questions repeatedly may be trying to express a specific concern, ask for help or cope with frustration, anxiety or insecurity.

A person with Alzheimer’s may do or say something over and over — like repeating a word, question or activity — or undo something that has just been finished. In most cases, he or she is probably looking for comfort, security and familiarity.

• Causes
• How to respond

Causes

Repetitive actions are rarely harmful.

But repetition can be stressful for the caregiver. Remember that it is the disease causing the behavior, not the person.

The main cause of behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s and other progressive dementias is the deterioration of brain cells which causes a decline in the individual’s ability to make sense of the world. In the case of repetition, the person may not remember that she or he has just asked a question or completed a task.

Environmental influences also can cause symptoms or make them worse. People with dementia who ask questions repeatedly may be trying to express a specific concern, ask for help, or cope with frustration, anxiety or insecurity.

Because people with Alzheimer’s gradually lose the ability to communicate, it’s important to regularly monitor their comfort and anticipate their needs.

LEARN MORE:
Communication TipsBehaviors Brochure (PDF)

How to respond

Caregiver Stress Check

Alzheimer caregivers frequently report high levels of stress. Take our quiz and get resources to help.

• Look for a reason behind the repetition.
  Does the repetition occur around certain people or surroundings, or at a certain time of day? Is the person trying to communicate something?
• Focus on the emotion, not the behavior.
  Rather than reacting to what the person is doing, think about how he or she is feeling.
• Turn the action or behavior into an activity.
  If the person is rubbing his or her hand across the table, provide a cloth and ask for help with dusting.
• Stay calm, and be patient.
  Reassure the person with a calm voice and gentle touch. Don’t argue or try to use logic; Alzheimer’s affects memory, and the person may not remember he/she asked the question already.
• Provide an answer.
  Give the person the answer that he or she is looking for, even if you have to repeat it several times. If the person with dementia is still able to read and comprehend, it may help to write it down and post it in a prominent location.
• Engage the person in an activity.
  The individual may simply be bored and need something to do. Provide structure and engage the person in a pleasant activity.
• Use memory aids.
  If the person asks the same questions over and over again, offer reminders by using notes, clocks, calendars or photographs, if these items are still meaningful.
• Accept the behavior, and work with it.
  If it isn’t harmful, don’t worry about it. Find ways to work with it.
• Share your experience with others.
  Join ALZConnected, our online support community and message boards, and share what response strategies have worked for you and get more ideas from other caregivers.

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Get your tickets today for Unforgettable Art – Alzheimer’s

There’s still time to purchase tickets for the 12th annual Unforgettable Art: An Affair for Alzheimer’s on Saturday, April 18 at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford. During this unique event guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music while they watch 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. The evening concludes with a live auction of all artwork.

About Unforgettable Art

During this unique event guest enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music while they watch 50 talented artists convert blank canvases into works of art. The evening concludes with a live auction of all artwork.

Unforgettable Art benefits the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. Support from this event allows us to further our mission of funding research, proving programs, support services and education to Alzheimer’s patients, families and caregivers.

Please follow us on Facebook for additional event information.
Visit John Lambert’s photography to view pictures from past events.

About our Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter serves 68 counties in Illinois with offices in Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford and Springfield. Since 1980, the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. Learn more

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Care partners support individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s or another dementia

Care partners play a significant role in the early stage of Alzheimer’s to provide support and companionship to those with the disease. If you’re caring for someone living in the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, your support may help the person share their diagnosis with others, plan for the future and stay engaged.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Your role as care partner is an important one: to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future.

• What to expect
• Your role as care partner
• Early-stage issues

What to expect

“Early stage” refers to people, irrespective of age, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders and are in the beginning stages of the disease. A person in the early stages may experience mild changes in the ability to think and learn, but he or she continues to participate in daily activities and give-and-take dialogue. To others, the person may not appear to have dementia. The early stages of Alzheimer’s can last for years.

Your role as care partner

Free e-Learning Course

This program, Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers: Early Stage, provides practical answers to questions that arise in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

In the early stages, you may act more like a care partner, than a caregiver. Your role is one of support, love and companionship. You are there to help with daily life, as needed, and to help the person with Alzheimer’s plan for the future. Since no two people experience Alzheimer’s alike, the degree of assistance needed from a care partner in this stage varies.

A person with early-stage Alzheimer’s may need cues and reminders to help with memory. For example, he or she may need help with:

• Keeping appointments
• Remembering words or names
• Recalling familiar places or people
• Managing money
• Keeping track of medications
• Doing familiar tasks
• Planning or organizing

Tap into the person’s strengths and encourage him or her to continue living as independently as possible. You can help the person stay organized with shared calendars, notes, medication schedules and other reminder systems. Establishing a daily routine and maintaining some regularity will be of benefit.

The person also will need emotional support. He or she may feel frustrated, anxious, embarrassed or isolated. You can help by:

• Encouraging the person to share his or her feelings, and asking how you can be supportive
• Encouraging the person to stay involved in activities he or she enjoys
• Helping the person locate a support group for people in the early stages and their care partners

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As a care partner, you also will go through many emotions. Know that you aren’t alone. Being part of a community of people going through similar experiences can provide you with support, hope and information. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to find an early-stage care partner support group near you. You can also join our ALZConnected online support community and message boards.

Quick Tips

• Encourage the person with Alzheimer’s to continue living as independently as possible.
• Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s and caregiver resources. Use Alzheimer’s Navigator, our free online tool that helps guide you to answers by creating customized action plans.
• Make legal and financial care decisions for the future.
• Nurture your relationship by living in and enjoying the moment.
• Think of ways to complete tasks as a team.
• Remember there will be good days and bad days.
• Know that support is available. Other care partners and families affected by early-stage Alzheimer’s disease can help you and your family. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association to locate a support group.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life changing for both the person with the disease and the care partner. Here are some of the issues you may both face

A Care Partner’s Perspective on Her Husband’s Diagnosis
We began noticing problems when Lee was in his early- to mid-50s. I really didn’t know that the problem would turn out to be Alzheimer’s. He kept telling me it was the stress of his job, and I preferred to think that …read more.

• Telling others about the diagnosis.
  Telling others about a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is one of the most difficult steps for people diagnosed in the early stages and their care partners. There may be anxiety surrounding who to tell and worry about social stigma. Be open with friends and family about the changes that are taking place. Educate them on the disease and tell them how they can be supportive.

  LEARN MORE:
  Sharing the DiagnosisStigma and Alzheimer’s

• Life changes.
  Even if changes are small at first, a person with early-stage Alzheimer’s will have different needs than he or she did before the diagnosis. Support is critical. As a care partner, you’ll need a support system in place, too. You may feel anxiety over how your relationship may change or feel distanced from friends and family. Know that you aren’t alone, and that help is available.

  LEARN MORE:
  Changing Roles in RelationshipsFamily and FriendsCare Partner Support Groups
  Online Community

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THANK YOU to our volunteers! -Alzheimer’s disease

It’s National Volunteer Week, and we wanted to say thank you to our volunteers. During the past year 1,700 volunteers gave 15,790 hours of their time to our cause!
A special thank you to one recently retired volunteer, Kathleen Hotton. Kathleen volunteered with our chapter for the past seven years in our Chicago office programs department assisting with our 24/7 Helpline. During Kathleen’s time with our Chapter, she has volunteered over 1,000 service hours.

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