template final LD.pub - Independent Living Resources

Empowerment
Serving 13 Counties in Western and Southwestern Wisconsin
December 2012
Holidays…..the most wonderful time of the year?
As the story goes, it was a one‐room school house at the turn of the century in a small, nameless Midwestern town. Just before Christ‐
mas break, there was a commotion on the roof of the school...the teacher feigns surprise as the noise gets louder and louder, and then declares “It must be Santa!” The students in this one‐
room schoolhouse wait in anticipation for Santa to come down the chimney as the noise gets ing when they planned for Santa’s visit! Just as this trip down the chimney for Santa didn’t go quite as expected, holidays seldom go as expected. There is stress from family dynamics, missing loved ones, being in recov‐
ery, seeing people you don’t want to see, feeling alone, becoming over‐whelmed , and the list is truly endless! more raucous...and then, suddenly, all is silent. ILR has tapped our resources to find helpful What do the holidays bring for And it stays silent. Then, a quiet voice cries out information for you, hopefully giving you you and how can you manage it “Help—I’m stuck!” ideas on alleviating possible triggers for holi‐
more easily? This story has grown over the years, as stories day disasters and your health. do, but supposedly Santa became quite desper‐
Most importantly, please remember that you ate and panicked, increasing the cries for help can call ILR, your sponsor, your peer special‐
and interlacing them with less‐than‐Santa‐like ist, a family member, a friend or your doctor. expletives. Not quite what the children, nor the You are not alone, not this holiday season, teacher (nor the school board!) had been expect‐ not ever. How to Cope with Mental Illness During the Holidays
Excerpts from www.health.com, All About Bipolar blog by Amy Pilkington
Amy shares on her blog: January and February I’ve learned that the crowds, family functions, have always been the hardest time of the year and last‐minute shopping can spell trouble, for me to manage my symptoms, which can but I also know there are steps I can take to Inside this issue:
How to Cope with
Holidays, cont.
2
Caregiving and the
Holidays
2
Ten Tools to Live Your
Life Well
3
Art of Recovery
Calendar
4
range from severe depression to mania. One reduce anxiety and keep my sanity in the year was particularly difficult, however. My fa‐
midst of all the madness. Art of Recovery Gala
Event
4
I’ve found the most important thing is to plan RAVE * Recovery
Avenue
5
Social Security
Changes
7
ther passed away on New Year’s Day in 2008….. ...Since then, the holiday season tends to make ahead. Regardless of how hard you try to me anxious. I’m working on putting myself first, avoid it, you will inevitably be faced with but I have a habit of doing the exact opposite, stressful situations. Try these six strategies to and it’s a habit that’s proving hard to break. get through the holidays Continued next page...
Independent Living Resources….
Coping with Mental Health and the Holidays
continued from page 1
in one piece: cuse before I reach that point comes in handy. Know your limits. ...A few years ago I decided that I’d no longer attend big celebrations and opt for the smaller gatherings instead. Large get‐togethers are If the holidays are triggering
mental health relapses for you,
please don’t hesitate to call for
help!
Sometimes just knowing that you have a way out of a situation before it turns bad can help lesson your anxiety. sometimes unavoidable during the holidays, how‐
Don’t overschedule. Holiday parties, parades and ever, and I’ve been forced to find ways to deal with banquets can pile up quickly and overload your the fear and anxiety they provoke. During family frazzled nerves. There are always so many events functions, it’s not unusual to find me heading for the to attend, but I pick and choose a few and forgo door. Sometimes it helps to find quiet spot outside the rest. Sometimes it’s necessary to avoid certain and spend a few minutes away from the crowds. places or people. If I know I’ll be uncomfortable in Enjoying a little quiet time often allows me to get a situation, I politely decline the invitation. Some through the day without a manic meltdown. people don’t understand this, but I think it’s better Leaving a party altogether is a last resort, but there are times when my efforts to cope with the stress just don’t help. When you go to a holiday gathering, for them to be upset because I didn’t attend than to be upset because I had a major meltdown and ruined the festivities for everyone. you should always have an exit strategy. Be prepared I especially try to avoid attending events several with an excuse in case you need to make a hasty exit. days in a row. I give myself a day or two to relax “This is the message
of Christmas: We are
never alone.” ~ Taylor
Caldwell
Making up excuses isn't really possible once I’m be‐
before tackling the crowds again. I need all of my yond the point of rational thinking, so having an ex‐
energy to cope with one (continued on page 6) Caregiving and the holidays: from stress to success!
excerpted from Family Caregiver Alliance, www.caregiver.org
For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to others the opportunity to respond with assistance. stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and Sharing the truths of your situation may help re‐
good will. Caregivers may feel resentful towards other duce some of the feelings of isolation and lack of family members and feel they have not offered enough assistance. Managing care for someone who has a cognitive impairment may leave caregivers feel‐
ing that they will not be able to participate fully in family gatherings. Already feeling overwhelmed with caregiving tasks, stressed‐out caregivers may view traditional holiday preparations as more of a drain of precious energy than a joy. Following are some sug‐
gestions that may help make the holidays more enjoy‐
able for you and your loved ones. Keep in mind that the holidays can, in fact, provide unique opportunities to seek better communication, connection and sup‐
port from family and friends. Holiday stranglehold? Holidays
can bring more stress than joy
for caregivers….
Opportunity for communication. Although it’s under‐
standable to have reservations about discussing a loved one’s impairments, honest communication about the realities of the caregiving situation offers Page 2
appreciation common in caregivers. Holiday greetings and a brief note. Some caregiv‐
ers have had success in writing a brief note de‐
scribing the person’s condition and enclosing it in a holiday card. This can be a nonthreatening way to inform distant or uninvolved relatives about the realities of the caregiving situation. If written in a tone that’s not accusatory or guilt‐inducing, family members may be more forthcoming with assis‐
tance or, at least, have a better understanding of the effort you are putting into providing care. Let sleeping dogs lie? It is common for caregivers to be disappointed with family members who they feel are not “pulling their weight” in caregiving responsibilities. If your goal is to enjoy the holi‐
days, you must decide how much and when to communicate this disappointment. (continued next page) ….serving 13 counties in Western and Southwestern Wisconsin
Ten Tools to Live Your Life Well
1. 2. Connect with others. Fight Stress with friend‐
6. good for you, so have a laugh, find a hobby, or build new ones. just kick back. Stay positive. Changing your thinking can change 7. Get physically active. Exercise can make you 8. happier. 4. Help others. You may feel better serving soup at Get enough sleep. Being tired can hurt your Eat well. The right foods can fuel your mind and boost your mood. For more details on each of these
tips, go to:
Take care of your spirit. Pray, meditate, wor‐
Www.liveyourlifewell.org
ship. 9. a shelter than sipping martinis at Happy Hour. 5. Create joy and satisfaction. Feeling good is ship. Learn how to strengthen old bonds and your life. 3. Www.liveyourlifewell.org
Deal better with hard times. Coping tools can help you through a rough patch. 10. Get professional help if you need it. Don’t health and your relationships. hesitate to seek professional help. Caregiving and the holidays, continued from previous page.
Consider clearing the air before the holidays, or perhaps Share your wish list. Respite: ask family members put these feelings on hold to discuss after the holiday to give you a Saturday off sometime in the next season passes. month, or a similar option. Home repairs: changing Be clear about your energy level. Let family members out‐of‐reach light bulbs, installing grab bars, taking know that your caregiving duties are keeping you very “stuff” to the dump are all ways for family to help if busy and that you only have so much energy for holiday providing personal care is too uncomfortable for preparation and hosting duties. them. Care for you: gift certificate for a massage or Accept the need to adapt. Caregivers often have to manicure? An opportunity to go fishing? adapt their traditional role at the holidays. This may Reflect on the rewards. Reflecting on the rewards mean allowing another family member to host festivi‐
of caregiving can help maintain your self‐esteem. It ties, or modifying the amount of time away from home may feel very rewarding to know that you are fulfill‐
to match the comfort level of your impaired loved one. ing a vow or promise you have made to the person You may also have to choose which events to attend for whom you provide care. Your caregiving may be based on which would be the simplest, least exhausting an expression of living up to your personal ideals or and most enjoyable for the person for whom you pro‐
religious beliefs. You may also be experiencing a vide care—and for you. great deal of growth as you learn new skills and The visit room. Don’t expect the person with cognitive Sponsored by Mental Health
America.
“When you're a caregiver, you need to realize that you've got to take care of yourself, because, not only are you going to have to rise to the occasion and help someone else, but you have to model for the next generation.” Naomi Judd meet challenges in ways you never imagined possi‐
ble. impairment to be able to adapt to all situations; you may need to adapt the environment to their needs. See A little thank you goes a long way. After the holi‐
days, write a note to family members who spent if you can arrange to have another room in the house designated as a quiet place for the impaired person. time with your loved one, emphasizing the positive Many people with dementia find multiple conversations impact their visit had on your loved one. This may and background noise disturbing. To avoid this anxiety, reinforce positive feelings from their visit, encourag‐
the person may benefit from time in a quieter room ing them to visit again or become more supportive with less stimulus where family members could take of you and your efforts. Choose how to talk about
the challenges of caregiving
with your family this holiday
season.
turns visiting with them. Page 3
Independent Living Resources….
ILR’s 2013 Art of Recovery Calendar….
Now available!!!
December Art: Stained glass art “Elise” created by Beth of Rose Colored Glass Cover art: Photography by Elizabeth Kneedler July Art: Digitally enhanced
photography by Jerome.
Page 4
Recovery from any illness and/or disability is an individual path, unique to every person walking the road to recovery. For some, medication is necessary and a viable option. For others, support groups, mentors, peer specialists are the chosen support for recovery. For others still, recovery is learning how to live a full and rich life in spite of the barriers presented by illness or disability. Independent Living Resources (ILR) helps solve problems for people with disabilities. Sometimes these problems involve finding in‐
home care for a loved one, sometimes these problems involve helping homeless veterans find a place to live and a way through moun‐
tains of red tape to find work, transportation and appropriate clothing. Some of the disabilities of the people we serve include mental illness, developmental issues, physical impairments, addictions, aging, vision and/or hearing impaired….again, a truly endless list! But ILR helps people solve the problems that hinder their independence, whatever these may be. The Art of Recovery Calendar was created by the people we serve as a part of their recov‐
ery process. Every single artist in this calen‐
dar has struggled to overcome barriers cre‐
ated by a disability, and we are celebrating their efforts, their work, their creativity and their successes with the production of this calendar. The artwork you see on this page are just a few examples of the fabulous crea‐
tions you’ll see in this calendar. The 2013 Art of Recovery Calendar is for sale now! Just call Erin at ILR’s La Crosse office (608‐787‐1111) and she’ll help you order one. Production costs have been covered by a gen‐
erous gift from Health Tradition Health Plan, so every cent of the purchase price is tax‐
deductible for you while going directly to serve those with disabilities. Please purchase a copy or two of the Art of Recovery Calendar today, and help us celebrate Recovery! Call to Artists for the “Art of Recovery Gala” Event!!
That’s right….the Art of Recovery Calendar has grown into the Art of Recovery Gala event! April 18, 2013, at the Pump House in La Crosse. A one‐day event. We’ll have more information in the March newsletter, but for now we’d love to have your artwork to display. Here’s what we need from you: • An official “Art of Recovery Gala” call to artists filled out and sent to us. Call us at either La Crosse or Richland Center for de‐
tails. • We will need to know what kind of art you would like to show: photography, pottery, painting, jewelry, quilting, stained glass—
let us know and we’ll do our best to include it. •
•
Is your piece ready to display or will it need to be mounted and/or framed? Do you have work that we can include in the silent auction? Space will be limited, so please get in touch with us right away if you want your creations to be included in the 2013 Art of Recovery Gala! November Art: “Eye
Surrender” created by Sue
Walz.
….serving 13 counties in Western and Southwestern Wisconsin
RAVE—Recovery Avenue
1806 State Street, La Crosse, 608-785-9615
Mental Health Recovery is the focus of RAVE—
Recovery Avenue. A Drop‐in Center, an accepting and comfortable place staffed by peers who are in Support Group opportunities; formation enabling a person Paths to Wholeness (Spirituality), mental health recovery, RAVE—Recovery Avenue offers opportunities to its visitors with no obligation or pressure. Simply come in, enjoy coffee, read the paper, use the computers, shoot some pool, attend Mental Health Recovery is a journey of healing and trans‐
Tuesday, 5‐6:30 p.m. Wellness and Recovery, Wednesday, 5‐6:30 p.m. Women Supporting Women, the support groups...there’s support for your recov‐
Thursday, 5‐6:30 p.m. with mental illness to live a meaningful life in the commu‐
nity of his or her choice while striving to achieve his/her full potential. www.samhsa.org ery at RAVE every day! Regular business hours are Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Dual Recovery Anonymous, Saturday, 12‐1:30 p.m. Thanks to our “Art of Recovery” Sponsor
Health Tradition Health Plan has joined us in celebrating the recovery process of the people with disabilities that ILR serves by sponsoring both the 2013 Art of Recovery Calendar and the up‐
coming Art of Recovery Gala. With Health Tradition Health Plan’s sponsorship covering production costs, all funds raised through both “Art of Recovery” events will go directly to cover ILR operating expenses as we continue to provide services with no fee to those with disabili‐
ties. Opportunities exist to sponsor artists at a variety of levels for the Art of Recovery Gala in April. Sim‐
ply let us know which category you are inter‐
ested in fulfilling: Sponsor an Artist: $1,000 Artist’s Friend: $500 Friend of ILR: $250 Every penny of your support will help ILR to defray costs of providing services. Call, email or use the envelop provided in this newsletter. ILR will work with you on your sponsorship efforts and keep you informed as the event continues to grow. For Your Convenience…. Independent Living Resources December newsletter is available in audio tape, Braille, large print, e‐mail, computer disk format, or on our website in text version. Let us know your particu‐
lar format needs and we will make a copy for you accordingly. The Voice on the Phone…..
It’s important to us at ILR that your call is taken by a per‐
son and not a machine, and for the last 13 years that person has been Diana Swenson. An important part of the ILR family, Diana listened to every caller, gathering vital information, answering questions, assisting with referrals, and a variety of general office responsibilities. Diana’s family business needs her expertise, and as diffi‐
cult as it is, we say good‐bye and wish her all the best! Diana also sends her thoughts to you: Hello, my name is Diana Swenson and since September 1999, I was the voice you heard first when you called Independent Living Resources (ILR). My husband and I own and operate Lees Auto Sales & Service in Stoddard, Wisconsin and because we are growing and are very busy, I have decided to work full‐time at our business and leave ILR. It was a hard decision to make as I enjoyed working with the ILR staff and Board and have met many wonderful con‐
sumers in those 13 years. I will miss everyone here but will never forget all I have learned. I am thankful for those 13 years and I wish the ILR staff, ILR’s Board of Directors’ and all new and existing consumers all the best for the future. Thank you, Diana Swenson Page 5
Independent Living Resources….
Coping with Mental Health and the Holidays
continued from page 2
event at a time, and if I become overloaded with Don’t get so caught up in holiday celebrations that obligations then I won’t be able to function. One you forget to take your medication. Without it, event at a time is hard enough. If you know you you may be headed for disaster. Ask a friend or have to face it again tomorrow, you’ll spend the family member to remind you when it’s time to entire time worrying about both events and end up take your meds. miserable. Don’t ignore the warning signs. It’s easy to let Skip the holiday toasts. I’ve never been more things slide during the holidays, but if you allow than a social drinker, and now I refrain from stress to keep building, it will get the best of you in Skip the holiday toasts—a few drinking altogether. Some time ago I started to the end. Bt the time February arrives, I am usually hours of pleasure aren't worth notice that even though I’m in a jolly mood if I at such a low point that hospitalization is consid‐
triggering rage, crisis or relapses. have a few drinks, I’ll have fits of rage for several ered. days afterward. My medication stops working and it takes a few days for it to straighten out. Don’t put off asking for help until you feel you’re reaching your breaking point. Ask for help at the first sign of distress, and call your doctor if necessary. Don’t put off asking for help until you feel you’re reaching your breaking point. Ask for help at the If the people around you are drinking, it can be first sign of distress, and call your doctor if neces‐
very easy to consume a bit too much alcohol. Al‐
sary. It may be difficult to contact your doctor cohol may seem like a good way to take the edge over the holidays, so be sure to ask for an emer‐
off, but it can make matters worse. Clouding your gency contact ahead of time. judgment and losing your inhibitions is a recipe for disaster. Also, if you take prescription medication, alcohol may interfere with its ability to work prop‐
The holidays can be stressful for everyone, but for people erly. A few hours of pleasure aren’t worth a week with mental illness, they can be destabilizing, sometimes of pain. Don’t forget your meds. I never have a problem dangerously so. Amy Pilkington, a 34‐year‐old mother of four from Tennessee, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three years ago She blogs about living with the illness at remembering my medication, unless I change my “ALL About Bipolar”, www.allaboutbipolar.com. Since routine. My schedule goes out the window during her diagnosis, Pilkington has had more than her share of the holiday season, and my medications slip my mind from time to time. Missing even a single dose can wreak havoc and make me want to re‐
treat to my room and stay there. holiday crises. Over the years, she has learned how to cope with the stress—and risks—of the holiday season. Can ILR help you this holiday season?
Give us a call…. Whether mental health relapse is threatening, or you’re a veteran needing help with housing or benefits, whether you are a senior needing assistive equipment to continue living at home, or perhaps a student ready to transition out of the public school system, or have a loved one or friend in any of these circumstances ‐ give us a call! Our contact information is on the back cover of this Page 6
newsletter. We are here to help you or your loved ones find shelter, clothing, jobs, some‐
one to talk to who has already walked down the road you’re on and is ready to give you the support you need. Whatever your situa‐
tion is, ILR and our network of service provid‐
ers is here for you...all you need to do is call. Remember—you are not ever alone! ….serving 13 counties in Western and Southwestern Wisconsin
Adaptive and accessible technology….
The Universal Service Fund was established in 1993 in Updates!
The Public Service Commission, which oversees the Wisconsin to ensure all state residents receive essential Universal Service Fund, also provides funding to telecommunication services and have access to ad‐
TEPP—Telecommunications Equipment Purchase vanced telecommunication capabilities. What does this Program, Lifeline and Link‐Up. mean? It means every telephone provider needs to provide essential services within their service territory at reduced rates. While each household needs to meet income require‐
Under Telework guidelines, services provided un‐
To see equipment available for
loan, go to:
der any of these programs may provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities to Www.wisconsinat4all.com
continue working. Independent Living Resources ments, it is possible to obtain internet access for as little Certified Adaptive Technology Professionals can as $9.95 per month, or a netbook computer for as low work with you to assess your need and make ap‐
as $150 as a result of the Universal Service Fund. propriate choices for your situation. ILR Board of Directors: WisLoan - help in obtaining assistive technology
WisLoan offers loans for assistive technology. The loans help people buy equipment such as hearing aids, modi‐
fied vehicles, wheelchairs, ramps and other equipment. Independent Living Centers throughout Wisconsin pro‐
vide technical assistance, applications and assistive technology services. The program is open to all Wisconsin residents of all ages who have a disability. There are no income re‐
quirements, and individuals are not required to exhaust personal or public funding. Under the program, banks provide loans to qualified borrowers. Loan amounts depend on the item purchased and the ability to repay the loan. WisLoan is a federally –funded project of the Na‐
tional Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Re‐
search and the US Dept. of Education. ILR offices in both La Crosse and Richland Center can work with you to apply for WisLoan funding. Social Security Changes in 2013
ILR Benefits Specialist Ethan Hayes says there are changes in Social Security benefits on the horizon for 2013: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) has increased the amount for individuals with disabilities other than blind‐
ness from $1,010 to $1,040. SGA for individuals who are blind has increased from $1,690 to $1,740. Trial Work Period eligibility earnings will be $750 per month. Social Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rates (FBR) increased: • From $1,048 to $1,066 per month for eligible cou‐
ples • From $698 to $710 per month for an eligible indi‐
vidual. Total earnings NOT affecting eligibility or benefits for SSI beneficiaries who are students has increase from $6,840 to $6,960 per year. Electronic Payments of Social Security Benefits will begin no later than March 1 with few exceptions. The Social Security Administration is urging recipi‐
ents to switch over now to direct deposit or get their monthly payment sent to a Direct Express debit card account. Information about the 2013 Medicare premiums has not been announced yet. For additional information or assistance with bene‐
fits, please call Ethan at the La Crosse ILR office or Ricki in the Richland Center ILR office. Kimberly Cable Couleecap ILR President Gary Kleinertz Consumer Advocate Debbie Andre Trane Company Julia McDermid Consumer Advocate Joan Oertel Consumer Advocate Patrick Dienger La Crosse County Housing Authority Dawn Nemec Viroqua Housing Authority Linda Dunaway Community Member Mike Bowers Retired Vet/Farmer Paul Bishop Consumer Advocate Page 7
Serving 13 counties is Western and Southwestern Wisconsin
4439 Mormon Coulee Road
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
608-787-1111 voice
608-787-1148 TDD/TTY
888-474-5745 Toll Free Voice
888-378-2198 Toll Free TDD/TYY
608-787-1114 Fax
608-647-8053
Richland Center Regional Office
Editor: Lori Dubczak
[email protected]
We’ve got great stories to share….
Submitted by Kathie Knoble-Iverson, Executive Director
We do indeed have great stories to share stories about successful recovery efforts,
about people with disabilities developing
skills so that they can find and keep jobs,
stories about helping people remove barriers
such as not having transportation or appropriate clothing to look for work, stories about
homeless veterans finding a safe place to live
or discovering that they do have benefits after
all. Story after story, some heartbreaking,
some heartwarming, but each and every one
amazing!
also have “Art of Recovery” events, namely
the calendar that you’ve already read
about...please consider purchasing one for you
and perhaps a couple for gifts. We have the
“Art of Recovery Gala” planned for April
2013; there’s a bit of information about that
in this newsletter, there will be more in the
next one. Please consider sponsoring an artist
for this event, or simply joining us at the
Pump House in La Crosse to celebrate the
work of those we’ve served in their recovery
efforts.
You probably noticed our new logo on the
front page; this is part of our efforts to share
these stories with you, along with our new
website which will debut in January. We’ll
As you know, ILR provides our myriad of
services with no fees to those we serve. Often, costs involved in providing these services
are covered through our partner agencies.
Independent Living Resources is a nonprofit agency operated by skilled staff and a board of directors comprised primarily of people with disabilities. This firsthand experience provides a unique
base of expertise for effectively addressing and providing services to individuals with disabilities.
However, there are always those that don’t
qualify for funding through one of our partners and we help them anyway. Purchasing a
calendar will help defray those costs, as will
sponsoring some aspect of the Gala; we’ve
also included an envelope in this newsletter
with additional options for you if you wish
contribute.
Most of all, on behalf of all of us at ILR, we
wish you the most wonderful holiday season
and truly blessed new year!
Kathie
Independent Living Resources in an Agency
within the United Way. We thank you for
your support of ILR through United Way
giving!