Nov/Dec 2006 - the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer`s Resource Center

The Hope Connection
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALVIN A. DUBIN ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE CENTER
Where there’s hope...
November/December 2006
Alzheimer’s: One Hundred Years Later
This year marks a milestone in
Alzheimer’s care. One hundred years
ago, Dr. Alois Alzheimer noted the first
case of a disease that is now named in
his honor.
In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer, a German
physician, studied the case of a woman
named Auguste D. who was in her
fifties when she died with an unusual
mental illness. Dr. Alzheimer was the
first to recognize the occurrence of
abnormal clumps (now called amyloid
plagues) and tangled fibers
(neurofibrillary tangles) in the brain of
a person who had shown signs and
symptoms of dementia.
Our medical community has come a
long way since Dr. Alzheimer’s first
case notes were documented in 1906.
While little progress was made in the
early to mid 1900’s, much has been
accomplished in recent decades to
improve diagnostic tools, advance
research, and develop treatments for
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of
dementia.
While researchers have focused their
efforts on these important areas, organizations have been established to
provide support to family members.
The message is clear that there is hope
for individuals who have been
diagnosed with memory impairment.
More advanced diagnostic tools
lead to greater accuracy in diagnosis
and treatments are likely more effective
earlier in the disease process, which
emphasizes the importance of paying
attention to early warning signs.
As the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource
Center partners with local organizations
to recognize National Alzheimer’s
Awareness Month in November, we
recognize the importance of emphasizing the progress that has been made and
the hope that lies for the future.
Our center is proud of our history of
serving the needs of individuals and
families affected by memory impairment through our various programs.
We are equally honored to partner with
other organizations to strengthen our
efforts.
In this issue of the newsletter,
readers will find ample opportunity to
participate in some of these programs
and events. November 14th is a busy
day as we begin in the morning with
free memory screenings in conjunction
with Lee Memory Care and wrap up the
day with our spectacular tenth annual
Alzheimer’s art show reception in partnership with our Grand Sponsor Gulf
Coast Village and host Robb & Stucky.
In planning for the upcoming year,
we look forward to kicking off our
early stage program for newly
diagnosed individuals and their care
partners. Our staff is revamping the
curriculum to offer up-to-date information and education to individuals who
are coping with a new diagnosis. This
program is a great example of how far
we have come in programming.
Twenty years ago, we had not
considered the idea of offering an
interactive program for individuals with
early stage memory impairment. We
now know this is an essential part of
what we do.
To refer interested
individuals, call Roberta McCarthy at
(239) 437-3007.
Featured in this issue..........
In The Resource Room..................................................................
Support Group Information ...................…..….........................…
The Challenges of Caregiving ...…............................….......……
Project Spotlight ................................................................…...........
Caregivers’ Corner ..............................................................…...........
Questions and Answers................................................................
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Volume 11, Issue 6
Brushstrokes From
The Soul
Tenth Annual
Alzheimer’s Art Show
Alvin A. Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource
Center
&
Our Grand Sponsor
Gulf Coast Village
cordially invite you to our
Art Show Reception
in celebration of our
Annual Alzheimer’s
Awareness Event
November 14, 2006
5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Private Angel Society
reception
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Public reception
Robb & Stucky
13170 S. Cleveland Avenue
RSVP to (239) 437-3007
by November 9th
The Hope Connection
Board of Trustees
Kathy Shimp, President
Community Volunteer
Peg Gray-Vickrey, Vice President
Florida Gulf Coast University
Lou Pontius, Treasurer
Community Volunteer
Britton Goodlad Swank, Secretary
Osterhout & McKinney
Patricia Hessel, Past President
Gilman + Ciocia, Inc.
John Belisle
Oswald, Trippe and Company
Stan Grigiski
Medical Claim Service
Archie B. Hayward, Jr
Attorney
Keith Kyle
Attorney
Jim Nolte
A.G. Edwards
Al O’Donnell
O’Donnell Landscapes
Steve Personette
Embarq
Jamie Seneca
G.E. Medical
Nancy Zant
HealthPark Care Center
Advisory Board
Norma Hand Brill
Elder Law Attorney
Dave Gallentine
Smith Barney
Vicky Kolody
Law Office of Stephen Kolody
Al Martinez, PhD
Lee Memory Care
Karen Pratt
Alterra Clare Bridge
Shirley Ruder, RN, MS, MSN, EdD
Advisory Board Vice Chair
Florida Gulf Coast University
Frederick Schaerf, MD, PhD
Neuropsychiatric Research Center
Julie Shera
Hope Hospice
Michael Skaggs
Heartland Health Care Center
John Thorp, Advisory Board Chair
SeniorBridge
In the Resource Room
And Thou Shalt Honor: The
Caregiver’s Companion, Edited by
Beth Witrogen McLeod. This book
examines the critical issues that are
most important to caregivers whether
it is sorting out financial affairs,
shopping for home care or
considering long-term care for the
first time. An entire chapter of the
book is dedicated to the prevailing
issue of caring for the caregiver. In
addition to practical information, the
reader is also allowed a sense of
connection to other caregivers and
offered
useful
advice
from
professionals in the “Points of View”
quotations told in their own words
throughout the book.
An Ocean of Time: Alzheimer’s
Tales of Hope and Forgetting, by
Patrick Mathiasen, M.D. Written by
a geriatric psychiatrist, the patients
relate the stories of remembering and
forgetting in this book. The author is
able to humanize the effects of
Alzheimer’s
disease
in
his
warmhearted tales of patients’ lives
in the present and past.
Dr.
Mathiasen also discusses how
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed,
treatments, and the current research
in the field. This book will provide
helpful insight into the impact
Alzheimer’s disease has on the
patient as well as the caregiver.
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From the Director’s Desk ...
Dotty St. Amand, Executive Director
This month marks a special occasion
for our center as we celebrate the 10th
annual Brushstrokes from the Soul art
show event. Since 1997, our center has
hosted this important community event
in the month of November to celebrate
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
Each year, we look forward to
showcasing the paintings created by
individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and
other types of memory impairment. We
thank Gulf Coast Village, ClareBridge of
Ft. Myers, The Lakes, Shell Point,
Choices in Living, Encore Senior
Village, Arden Courts, Heartland Health
Care Center, Winkler Court, and Active
Day for their participation in the art
project.
The seventy pieces of framed art in
this year’s show illustrate the importance
of art therapy offered by these care
providers. Each painting represents the
voice of an individual who likely has
difficulty verbalizing due to memory
impairment. Their willingness to share
their stories with us is appreciated
beyond words.
We hope you will join us and our
Grand Sponsor Gulf Coast Village for
our special celebration of the tenth
annual art show. We look forward to
seeing you at the Brushstrokes From The
Soul reception at Robb & Stucky on
November 14th.
Emeriti Board
Bill Beckwith, PhD
Memory Management
Bill Enslen
Hope Hospice
Douglas Newland, MD
Neurologist
Julie Osterhout
Osterhout & McKinney
The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The Hope
Connection is a bi-monthly newsletter published by the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center,
Inc., 10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101, Ft. Myers, FL 33919. Advertisements that appear in this
newsletter are paid advertisements, not endorsements by the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
Page 2
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s
Resource Center’s
United Way Campaign
The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource
Center staff raised $1,092 for the
2006/2007 United Way campaign
through 100% employee giving and a
special basket raffle. The center’s
campaign pledges helped United Way
achieve 45% of the total goal in time for
the Kick-off Breakfast. Congratulations
to all the Pacesetter agencies and
companies for a mission accomplished!!
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
Sweet Memories
A Night on the
Red Carpet
Sixth Annual Gala
A gala to benefit the
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s
Resource Center
April 2007
Heritage Palms Country Club
Ft. Myers
Elise Eifert selects the winning raffle ticket
for United Way campaign fundraiser.
Jenny Kormos is the lucky winner!
For information about sponsorships,
tickets, or donations for the silent
and/or live auctions, please contact us at
(239) 437-3007!
Page 3
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
Looking for a
unique holiday gift
for a friend?
Give a hand-crafted People Pin
or jeweled Holiday Pin
and help support the
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s
Resource Center’s
caregiver programs.
A gift that keeps giving!!
Call (239) 437-3007
today!
Holiday Tribute Tree Kicks Off A Light To Remember
During the month of December,
Arden Courts will host the third annual
Holiday Tribute Tree to benefit the
Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
The holiday tribute tree will be on
display at Arden Courts from
December 1st through December 31st.
Family and friends are invited to
purchase a personalized ornament in
honor of a loved one with memory
impairment.
Contributions to the Tribute Tree
will be donated to the Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource Center in
support of the center’s ninth annual
luminary tribute event, A Light To
Remember.
A donation of $10 includes an
ornament for the tribute tree as well as
a luminary at the Alvin A. Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource Center’s
A Light To Remember ceremony on
January 25, 2007.
Families are invited to pick up their
tribute ornaments at Arden Courts
during the month of January and are
also encouraged to attend the A Light
To Remember ceremony to be held in
Centennial Park, downtown Fort
Myers, on January 25th.
A Light To Remember is a special
event created to help raise awareness
about Alzheimer’s disease and related
memory impairments and raise muchneeded funds for caregiver programs
in Lee County.
A Light To Remember includes a
glowing display of luminaries from
families and friends honoring a loved
one with Alzheimer’s disease or a
related memory impairment. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event will
include a special ceremony to honor
and remember these individuals.
As part of the event, the staff of the
Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center
creates a special collage of memories
that have been submitted by family or
friends. In past years, several family
members and friends who have
requested a luminary in celebration of
their loved ones have sent a color copy
photo, poem, or other special memory
of their loved one to be included in
this display.
Last year, Arden Courts raised over
$600 in donations from the Tribute
Tree toward the fund raising goal for A
Light To Remember. Their tribute tree
goal this year is to reach $1,000.
To make a contribution to the
Tribute Tree, contact Arden Courts at
(239) 454-1277.
Zip Code Changes for Lee County
If you live in an area that has been assigned a
change of zip code, please notify our center in order
to keep your information current on our mailing list.
If your zip code is not changed within the time
frame given by US Postal Service, you will stop
receiving our newsletter! Don’t delay!! 437-3007
Page 4
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS OF LEE COUNTY
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (239) 437-3007
BONITA SPRINGS***
10:30 AM
Eas
t
4th Monday of each month
Hope Lutheran Church
25999 Old 41
CAPE CORAL
2:00 PM
1st & 3rd Thursdays
Gulf Coast Village
1333 Santa Barbara Blvd.
FORT MYERS
ALVA
1:00 PM
2nd Thursday of each month
St. Vincent de Paul
13031 Palm Beach Blvd.
tral
Cen FORT MYERS
2:00 PM
own
wnt
Do
FORT MYERS
12:30 PM
th
Sou FORT MYERS**
9:45 AM
th
Sou FORT MYERS
10:00 AM
th
Nor NORTH FORT MYERS*
2:00 PM
2nd Tuesday of each month
Senior Friendship Centers
3597 Fowler Street
(Carroll Corners)
1st Wednesday of each month
First Baptist Church of Ft. Myers
1735 Jackson Street
2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Westminster Presbyterian Church
9065 Ligon Court
3rd Wednesday of each month
Congregational Church
8210 College Pkwy.
4th Thursday of each month
Pine Lakes Country Club
3 1/2 miles north of the Shell
Factory on U.S. 41
PINE ISLAND
10:30 AM
1st Thursday of each month
Pine Island United Methodist
5701 Pine Island Rd., Bokeelia
LEHIGH
12:30 PM
3rd Monday of each month
The Community Health Assoc.
9 Beth Stacey Road
ADULT CHILDREN GROUP
6:15 PM
1st Tuesday of each month
Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center
10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101
LONG TERM CARE ISSUES
1:30 PM
2nd Friday of each month
Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center
10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
FOR MONTH OF NOVEMBER
Power Against Fraud
Stacey Payne, Crime Prevention Coordinator
Office of the Lee County Sheriff
Cape Coral - November 16th 2:00 p.m.
Westminster - November 22nd 9:45 a.m.
Lehigh Acres - November 20th 12:30 p.m.
FOR MONTH OF DECEMBER
Holiday parties will be held at various sites.
Please check with Roberta McCarthy
for information.
* In November & December, the North
Ft. Myers group will meet on the third Thursday
(November 16th & December 21st) due to the
holidays.
** In December, the Westminster Ft. Myers
group will not meet on December 27th.
*** In December, the Bonita Springs group
will meet on December 18th (third Monday) due
to the holidays.
Early Stage Alzheimer’s Group
A special program for individuals with
early stage dementia. For information, please
call Roberta McCarthy at (239) 437-3007.
The next early stage group series
begins in January 2007.
Parkinson’s Support Groups
For info call, (239) 334-5884.
Page 5
The Hope Connection
Contributions
November/December 2006
Our sincere thanks to the following individuals and businesses who gave a memorial, honorary or general gift
during the months of August, September, and October. Gifts not listed will appear in the January/February issue.
I
n Memory Of
Barney Baller
Gill Anne and George Potor
Clients and clients' relatives of
Osterhout & McKinney PA
Osterhout & McKinney
Dorothy Raczka
Roger Raczka
Georgette Kruse's Mother
Summer Golfers at El Rio Golf Club
Gorham Whitney
Belle Whitney
Isla D. Stewart
Judith Durkin Tronox
Jack Simpkins
Marion and Pete Scott
Joan Mason Stephans
Virginia and Richard Bryer
Marylyn Tymon
Kathy Crump
Carol Clem
Larry and Ana Maria Mitchell
Linda Moore
Joe Lord
Thelma Lord
Joy Sheline
Lola Sheline
Julia Robinson
Supply Dept., Naval Special Warfare Group
Two, Logistics Support Unit
Albert and Orabelle Cofone
Kay Gross
Elizabeth and James Buescher
Lois R. Eckhardt
Jane Pratt
Charles and Virginia Rountree
Martha I. Simon
Constance and Richard Bennett
Mary L. Landers
Billy Stephens
Mary Landers
Ben Hunter
Debbie Helton
Susan and Carl Fisk
Mother of Linda Silverman
Esta and Irv Doliner
Mrs. Frances I. Martin
Estelle Wernet
Theodore A. Austin
Anne and Eugene Hazi
Tomasina Di Salvo
Gary Ittner and Joshua Sky
Velma D. Federer
DTL Transportation
William A. Risdon
Irmtraut Risdon
I
n Honor Of
Albert J. Malatesta
Anna Malatesta
Carl Larose
Susan and John Hale
Carrie Evelyn Knox
Patricia Grise
Charles A. Heisler
Mary Louise Heisler
Kathleen Singleton
Walter Singleton
Margaret Allen
Alfred Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Gunnard "Swede" Lundgren's
71st Wedding Anniversary
Ted and Beth Lundgren
Pat Hessel
Marylu Hubbard
Sebastian Greif
Diana and Stephen Wien
Sheila Preston
Sheelah O'Neill
I
ndividual Donations
Diane and Sidney Jensen
Isabelle and Paul Schuessler
Helen and Carl Roeder
Sarah Paul
Carmen Sanchez
Robert and Deborah Van Houten
C
ivic Gifts /Grants 2006
United Way of Lee County
Sanibel Congregational Church
Area Agency on Aging of SW Florida
Southwest Florida Community Foundation
Florida Federation NARFE Chapters 1263 &
0254
Florida State Guardianship Association
Sanibel Congregational Women In Mission
CAMEO
Lee Memorial Health System
Carla Nusbaum Creative Memories
Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center &
Research Institute
Rotary Club of North Fort Myers
C
orporate Gifts 2006
Fox Electronics, A Light To Remember
Gulf Coast Village, Brushstrokes From the Soul
Oswald Trippe and Company, Angel Society
Arden Courts
H. J. Heinz Company
Parvey & Frankel
Henderson Franklin
Douglas A. Newland, M.D.
Osterhout & McKinney
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company
Goodlad Insurance Agency
SeniorBridge
Active Day
Oswald Trippe and Company
Millennium House
Senior Home Companions
Life Care Center of Estero
Colonial Bank
Law Office of Norma Hand Brill
A. G. Edwards
Sony
Comfort Keepers
Abby Services
Neuropsychiatric Research Center of
Southwest Florida
Encore Senior Village
Eisai Pharmaceuticals
HCR ManorCare
Heartland Health Care Center
The Case Companies
Alterra Clare Bridge
American Wood Frame
Gora McGahey Associates in Architecture
Heron House
Hidden Oaks
Lee Memory Care
Medical Claim Service
Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
of Cape Coral
Right at Home
Senior Living Guide
Shady Rest Pavilion
Schlager, Sonntag & Levin
The Lakes
I
n-Kind Gifts
CPR Courier Service
Ruth Messmer Florist
Right At Home
Abby Services
Alterra Clare Bridge
Osterhout & McKinney
Arden Court
SeniorBridge
Encore Senior Village
Two Fish Inn
Able Healthcare Services
Hanson Services
Heron House
Comfort Keepers
Shell Point
Page 6
National Memory Screening Day
The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's
Resource Center is collaborating with
Lee Memory Care to bring National
Memory Screening Day to Southwest
Florida on November 14, 2006. The
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
(AFA) is promoting National Memory
Screening Day throughout the country
by partnering with AFA member
organizations like the Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource Center and Lee
Memory Care to offer screenings in
local communities.
While memory screenings are not
sufficient to diagnose illnesses like
Alzheimer's disease, these screenings
are a first step in determining if you
should have a comprehensive evaluation completed by a medical doctor
and/or neuropsychologist.
A memory screening is a simple
evaluation that takes only a few
minutes of your time. The screening
consists of a series of questions and
tasks designed to test memory,
language skills, thinking ability, and
other intellectual functions.
A qualified professional, such as a
physician, nurse, or social worker,
offers these memory screenings in a
quiet setting. Results are confidential
and should be reviewed by a physician
or neuropsychologist to determine if
further testing is warranted.
Screenings will be offered at Lee
Memory Care and the Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
Interested participants can call Older
Adult Services Share Club at (239)
772-6765 to schedule an appointment.
These FREE screenings will be
conducted throughout the day.
If you are considering purchasing
long-term care insurance, having a
memory screening or evaluation for
memory impairment may jeopardize
your chances of being approved for
long-term care insurance. If you are
considering such a purchase, talk to
your insurance agent prior to participating in a memory screening test or
evaluation. For further information,
please call (239) 437-3007.
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
Thank You
North Fort Myers Rotary
for helping us provide
emergency respite for
caregivers!
Dotty St. Amand receives a $2,000 check
from Ken Hess and San Ferrell of the
North Fort Myers Rotary from the Rotary
Club’s golf outing.
National Memory
Screening Day
November 14, 2006
For a free screening,
Call (239) 772-6765
Beth Prather, Tricia Winterstein, Jeff
Winterstein, and Eileen Burns get ready to
tee off in support of a great cause!
Page 7
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
In today’s complex medical system,
family care giving is usually at the core
of end of life care. A 2000 survey by
the Maryland-based National Family
Caregivers Association found that more
that 54 million Americans spend an
average of between 18 and 20 hours a
week caring for an adult loved one
(McLeod, 2002).
Caregiving can be difficult and take
a toll both physically and mentally.
Caregivers are often family members
or friends who assist those they care
about to face chronic illnesses,
disabilities, or death. Most caregivers
are women who are often unprepared to
provide care. Some are spouses who
are elderly themselves and may have
significant health problems.
Caregiving can also place a
financial burden on family members
both in expenses and in lost income
and benefits. In the United States,
yearly family caregiving costs range
from 16 to 65 billion dollars for
patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It is
also estimated that 20% of family caregivers quit work or make major life
changes to care for loved ones and 31%
have lost most or all of their savings.
As you make the decision to
become a caregiver it is important that
you become educated about the disease
or disorder that is affecting your family
member. Learn what to expect in the
course of the disease, the care needs
that might arise, and some options for
you to consider in responding to those
needs.
Caregivers often tend to the needs
of the ill family member ahead of their
own needs. In light of all the physical,
The Challenges of Caregiving
Shirley Ruder, RN, MS, MSN, EdD
emotional, and financial dangers in
caregiving, you must plan to take care
of yourself as well. Plan for assistance
early and do not try to take on the
responsibility alone.
Managing common end of life
symptoms can be challenging. Some
common end of life symptoms may
include pain, constipation, delirium,
and difficulty breathing. There are
both medical and non medical ways to
manage these symptoms. These may
include repositioning, monitoring for
infection, and administering prescribed
medications. Discussing these problems with your healthcare provider can
offer solutions.
As you plan care, plot out a daily
routine for care and make sure you
review your expenses. Assess what
kind of assistance you need. Find out
what local, state, and national resources
are available to assist you and how you
can contact them.
Recognize that emotions like anger,
guilt, and depression are common and
are normal responses to the demands of
caregiving. A danger to health is not
recognizing the signs and symptoms of
problems and getting support.
To help ward off depression keep
the following tips in mind. Accept that
you will need help. Do not be afraid to
ask. Try to identify at least five
supports that you can use. These
may include support groups, family
members,
friends,
and
church
members.
Take care of yourself.
Make sure you eat correctly, exercise,
and get enough sleep.
Try to balance your other family
relationships.
Make sure you set
limits. It is okay to say “no”. Talk
regularly with family members to
address any concerns they might have.
Do not be afraid to discuss your
feelings. Often this can be done with a
physician, nurse, family member,
friend, or clergy.
Support group
meetings also offer an excellent
opportunity to share you concerns and
find comfort and understanding.
Keep a sense of humor. Humor has
been found to be a powerful coping
tool and helps to reduce stress and
improve health.
The experience of caring for a loved
one as they are ill can be a very
fulfilling experience or a very
traumatizing experiencing.
As a
caregiver you need to know that you
must care for yourself. By recognizing
the difficulties, planning properly,
communicating effectively, and finding
the resources to assist you and your
family, the experience can be made
easier and more fulfilling.
Dr. Shirley Ruder is a professor of
nursing at Florida Gulf Coast
University. She is Vice Chair of the
Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center’s
Advisory Board .
Page 8
Project Spotlight Shines on Caregivers
The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource
Center is pleased to announce the first
recipient of our new Project Spotlight
honor.
The concept of Project Spotlight
was
developed
through
many
discussions with volunteers of our
center. Several volunteers from various
organizations worked with our staff to
develop a program that would highlight
the dedication of caregivers.
In earlier editions of this newsletter,
readers were encouraged to nominate
caregivers to be recognized.
In the meantime, volunteer committee members solicited donations of
flowers and respite care certificates
from local businesses and home health
providers.
John Thorp presents the Oatley’s with a
respite certificate and bouquet.
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
To nominate a caregiver, newsletter
Project Spotlight
readers were asked to complete a
simple one-page form with a brief
Special thanks to Ruth
narrative about the person they are
nominating.
Messmer Florist and Right at
On October 12th, Advisory Board
Home for donations to
Chair John Thorp and Executive
Project Spotlight
Director Dotty St. Amand had the
pleasure of surprising Jack Oatley with
a bouquet of flowers donated by Ruth
Messmer florist and a respite gift certificate compliments of Right at Home.
Jack Oatley was nominated for this
honor by his daughter, Kori Gibson. In
her nomination, Kori shared her admiration for her dad in her words, “My dad
has an enormous amount of patience
with Mom. He will take her golfing and
make sure she is facing and standing the
Heather Messmer of Ruth
Messmer Florist and John
right way and has the right club. My
Thorp, Advisory Board Chair
dad is an awesome man with a very big
heart. He needs to know how much he
is appreciated.”
In addition to caring for his beloved Pledges have also been made by
Home Instead Senior Care,
wife Patsye, Jack also helps his family
NurseCore, and Flower Mart.
by caring for his young grandson before
and after school.
Our kudos go out to Jack for his
For more information about
loving care and dedication to his wife nominating a caregiver or making
and family.
a donation, call 437-3007.
LAW O FFICE OF
N ORMA H AND B RILL, P.A.
E LDER LAW A TTORNEYS
164 Pondella Road
North Fort Myers, Florida 33903
239/997-6464
Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney,
Health Care Directives
Probate and Trust Administration
Guardianship
Long Term Care Planning
Nursing Home Medicaid Eligibility
"The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based
solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free
written information about our qualifications and experience.”
Page 9
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
Caregiver Social
Join us for a festive
afternoon of fellowship
November 10, 2006
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian
Church Fellowship Hall
Caregivers’ Corner
CAREGIVER’S SEMINAR
A free educational training seminar designed specifically
to meet the needs of family caregivers for
persons with memory impairment.
Dates: Nov 2nd, 8th & 15th
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Presented by: Lee Memory Care
Hosted by: Arden Courts
15950 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers
refreshments and
entertainment by
Encore Senior Village
Facilitator: Kathy Quesnette, Lee Memory Care
Speakers: Douglas Newland, MD
Beth Prather, Elder Law Attorney
Elise Eifert, MS, CHES
Mary Curtis, RN
Jackie Ferguson, LMHC
Eric Flusche, MA
R.S.V.P. by
November 3rd
For more information or to register,
please call 334-5685.
to Roberta at
(239) 437-3007
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Questions and Answers.…
Q.
My father recently placed my mother in an assisted living facility after
caring for her for seven years at home. My father developed health problems
and could no longer care for her adequately, even with outside help. My
mother is very content where she is and receives excellent care. My concern
is that my father is consumed with guilt since placing my mother in an
assisted living facility. He won’t allow himself to enjoy any activity in the
community. He even refuses to attend family celebrations such as birthdays,
weddings and graduations because Mother cannot be there with us. How can
I help my father cope with his guilt and allow a little joy in his life?
A.
A certain amount of guilt is normal when a caregiver places their
loved one in a long-term care facility. Problems arise when the guilt begins
to interfere with daily functioning and the well being of the caregiver. It is
important for your father to know that his caregiving duties are not over, that
he is still responsible for your mother’s care, just in a different fashion. For
this reason, it is still imperative that he takes time for his own needs so he
can continue to oversee your mother’s care. Your father can enjoy family
celebrations and activities in the community and even share the experiences
with your mother such as looking at photos or even videos of family
celebrations. Your father now has the opportunity to resume his role as more
of a partner to your mother verses caregiver. He no longer has to provide all
the hands-on care. Your father and mother can simply enjoy one another’s
company again. The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center offers a support
group for individuals who have a loved one in a long-term care facility.
The Hope Connection
November/December 2006
Ninth Annual
A Light To Remember
Tribute Ceremony
Sponsored by
Fox Electronics
January 25, 2007
5:30 p.m.
Centennial Park
Ft. Myers
To purchase a luminary in
celebration of your loved one,
please call (239) 437-3007.
To submit a question, e-mail [email protected] or mail to Dubin
Alzheimer’s Resource Center, 10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101, Ft. Myers,
FL 33919.
Page 11
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center
10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101
Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 437-3007
www.alzheimersswfl.org
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FORT MYERS, FL
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT
IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER IS: 1-800-435-7352. FL SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS REGISTRATION #SC-06629. 100% OF EACH
CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE ALVIN A. DUBIN ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE CENTER, INC.
YOU ARE NEEDED..............
In the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disease for which there is
currently no cure. It affects an estimated 4 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death among adults. More
than twenty thousand residents of Lee County are affected by this disease.
The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center is a nonprofit organization addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s persons
and their families through family support, education, and advocacy. Please join us by completing and returning this form
to: The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, 10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101, Fort Myers, FL 33919.
Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ______________________________________________________ Phone(Optional)______________
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:
Corporate Sponsor
$5000
$ 500
$1000
$ 250
$ 150
$ 100
Individual Sponsor
$500
$ 100
$250
$ 50
$ 10
Other $ _______
In Memory of _________________________________
In Honor of __________________________________
Call (239) 437-3007 to make a donation via Visa or MasterCard!
Make your check payable to:
The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center•10051 McGregor Blvd. Ste. 101•Ft. Myers, FL 33919