The Caregiver's Health Is Impacted

Whenever a caregiver comes up to our booth, we like to give them a laminated “bookmark” that lists ways for caregivers to take care of themselves. Often, and especially if the caregiver is an adult child, they will wave dismissively and say they don’t need it.

Now there’s proof they do.

The National Alliance for Caregiving has published an 18-month research study that shows caregivers of a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease require 25% more health care services than non-caregivers in their same age brackets. In fact, during the study time, hospital emergency visits and hospital-based services were double those who were not caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

The study was based on more than 1,200 families living in Birmingham, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia and Palo Alto, Calif. To qualify, the caregiver had to be at least 22 and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s for at least the past six months and at least four hours daily. Broken down, the group was comprised of mostly women (83%) averaging 61 years old and caring for someone with a mean age of 78.

Those who self-reported initially to be in fair or poor health were most likely to experience a decline. During the same period, the Alzheimer’s care recipients, in general, saw a drop in cognitive abilities based on the Mini Mental State Exam.

“The findings suggest that the strain of caring for someone with AD can cause family caregivers to use health care services at higher rates than non-caregivers of the same age, including rates for emergency room visits, hospital use and doctor visits,” the study said.

That increase translated to $4,766 more annually in health care costs for caregivers, many of whom are below the age for Medicare to kick in.

The researchers suggest primary care doctors be sensitive to middle-aged and older adults who may be someone’s primary caregiver and make sure they are aware of the physical and mental stress of the job they are undertaking. Here is also where a caregiver support group, such as those offered for free at each of our Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, can be invaluable.

Our support groups meet Wednesdays and provide free adult day care during the sessions.

3-4:30 p.m.
Hillcrest
3702 Fourth Avenue
619-543-4704

3-4:30 p.m.
Chula Vista
280 Saylor Drive
(next to Fredericka Manor)
619-420-1703

10-11:30 a.m.
Encinitas
335 Saxony Road
(inside Silverado Senior Living)
760-635-1895

An 'Amazing' Celebration in Hillcrest

We tried to capture the true flavor of our annual holiday dinner at our Hillcrest Center.

Chula Vista Celebrates Thanksgiving

Special thanks to everyone at Collwood Stellar Care for donating all of the food for our festivities.

Let's Talk Turkey

Special thanks to the women in the Del Norte Chapter of The National Charity League for cooking and serving such a great meal and providing each of our caregiver families with wonderful gift baskets.

ADHC to Remain in California Beyond Dec. 1

Good - no, great! -- news arrived yesterday: The state of California reached a settlement with disability and eldercare advocates to keep adult day health care services for the growing number of Californians who currently and will in the future need ADHC services. ADHC as we know it will now be in place through Feb. 29, 2012, when many participants will move to new Community-Based Adult Services programs. That should include our George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers.

Here is a news release that was issued by CAADS:

(Sacramento, CA) – “Immense relief” and “joy” are the words that California Association for Adult Day Services Executive Director Lydia Missaelides uses to describe the sentiments of tens of thousands of elder, chronically ill and disabled patients after a major settlement was reached today in a lawsuit against the state brought on their behalf by Disabilities Rights California. Missaelides said:


“Throughout this entire year, 35,000 low-income, medically needy patients and their families have endured incredible stress and lived in fear that they would no longer be able to access care at their local Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) center.

“To know that these patients’ legal rights have been preserved is a huge comfort to us and to tens of thousands of Californians throughout the state. This decision means those in the care of our centers will be able to stay at home and in their communities and receive necessary medical and therapeutic services without interruption. We are grateful that the nearly 300 ADHC centers statewide have been given a reprieve to stay open past the planned December 1 closure, resulting in 7,000 jobs being saved and vendors being spared further cuts to their local businesses.

“This settlement makes it clear that the services provided by center-based adult day health programs are irreplaceable in preventing or reducing use of higher-cost institutional services such as nursing homes and hospital emergency rooms, and honors patient dignity and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the State as we move forward in this transition. We see many challenges ahead as the details of implementation of the settlement are finalized and put in place. We are committed to working in partnership with the state and DRC to make this settlement agreement a success for all parties.

“We wish to express our deep appreciation to Disability Rights California and their co-counsel National Senior Citizens Law Center, National Health Law Program, AARP Foundation Litigation, and Morrison & Foerster, LLP for defending the rights of Adult Day Health Care patients and their working families, and to preserve the model of Adult Day Health Care and the valuable safety net it provides.”

NOTE: Under the terms of the settlement, CBAS will be offered through Medi-Cal managed care plans in most parts of the State. CBAS will be part of the State’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, and will not cap enrollment, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries are able to receive these vital services. Current ADHC recipients who are not eligible for CBAS will receive enhanced case management to assist them to transition smoothly to other long-term care services in the community. Many of the current ADHC providers will be able to provide CBAS services, thus ensuring continuity of care.



For more information:
State Reaches Settlement to Establish New Version of ADHC
California Adult Day Health Care Gets a Reprieve

Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Yesterday we received a message from a Phildelphia man trying to raise awareness of what he calls Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease. This is where people begin to show symptoms of permanent memory loss well before their 70s and even 50s and 60s. If Alzheimer's is diagnosed before 65, we call it Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. In the case of Michael Ellenbogen, 53, he says he first displayed signs when he was only 39. When he first mentioned to friends and family his difficulties remembering names, dates, and other common information, they told him it was just the stress of daily life as a data analyst and father. But it turned out to be a more serious cause.

Michael's story sounds unique because of his young age, but as more health care professionals become familiar with the signs of early-onset dementia, we will see more people like Michael being diagnosed with memory impairment in their prime, rather than later in life. This will have serous consequences for families and companies who will struggle with how best to handle the disease as it grabs hold of parents with young children and breadwinners, not just grandparents and retirees.

Here is a video (one of several) Michael's produced that explains his journey and why he is starting a "movement."

Nutrition Tips to Get Through Tough Times

Diet and exercise are a common theme on our blog because they are the foundation of wellness not just for someone with dementia but those who take on responsibility for their care. Sometimes the effects of a physical illness impact our mental well-being, and vica versa.

Today we wanted to share some advice we received during a panel on how to take better care of ourselves. It was led by Wendy Hileman, Ph.D. Candidate, MPH, MSW, MS, who is CEO and Principle Researcher for the non-profit Healthy Adventures Foundation. Eating well allows your body to better withstand the stress and viruses that seem to grow exponentially this time of year.

Not All Carbs Are Bad
Actually, many of them are quite good for us. Our daily diet should consist of 50-65% carbohydrates, most of which are the complex variety (whole fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains). We also need fats and proteins. When it comes to fats, plant-based oils are fine; animal-based fats are not. By the way, our bodies are "engineered" to watch carbs because that's what we all need for sustenance. But those carbs should be in their truest form -- raw; not blended into smoothies. Each time our food is treated - baked, fried, steamed, etc. - it loses some nutritional value.

Someday You Will Stop Aging. Until then...
We all start to age when we turn 30. From that point forward, we will gain a pound a year if nothing else in our lifestyle changes. Therefore, to maintain or lose weight, you must exercise to consume more than you take in. Here's some good news: for an unknown reason, we stop aging in our late 90s. So if you make it to 100, you technically won't look a day over 98.

Vitamin D Deficiencies Can Influence Mood
Most of us are familiar with SAD - Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder -- but fortunately for us in San Diego, we don't go weeks or month without sunshine. But if we are homebound, we can start to see changes in our moods, and not for the better. Vitamin D is even known to play a role in depression. The best source is sunlight, and the best way to get your daily dose is to go for a walk outdoors 15 to 20 minutes without sunscreen. Doing so will reduce your risk of some cancers by as much as 30%.

Some Foods That Are Good for You
Did you know broccoli can erace cancer cells? That blackberries pack the most antioxidant punch, followed by walnuts, strawberries, artichokes and coffee? To ease or eliminate the common menapausal symptom known as "hot flashes," eat a teaspoon of freshly ground flaxseed each day. And ever wonder why love eating popcorn? It is not only high in fiber, but it contains the same "feel good" chemical triptophan found in turkey. Finally, one more bit of food trivia: 2 Brazil nuts have enough selenium to fight inflammation as a dose of Motrin. But eat more than 6 at a time and they become toxic in our bodies. Now you know why there are so few in that can of mixed nuts!

Announcing Our Interim CEO

Julie A. Sugita, who has experience both professionally and personally with dementia care, has been named the interim CEO at The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers.


Julie replaces Kelly Focht, who left the organization in September to become a center manager for St. Paul’s PACE program.

Julie is a former periodontist with many elderly patients at her dental practice before health issues led her to a new career as a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and a National Certified Guardian.

It was during her own experience caring full time for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s Disease that she came to fully understand and appreciate the critical role programs such as our adult day programs and support groups provide to families dealing with complex healthcare issues.

“I have a passion for the caregivers’ journey because that’s where I came from,” she said. “To me, it’s an honor to be able to ensure the future of providing these services to caregivers and to help carry The Glenner Centers into the next 30 years.”

A graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned an M.S. in gerontology, Julie has extensive experience in marketing and business management as well as healthcare and the non-profit sector, where she provided startup development for a 501(c)3 foundation. She received both a B.S. in business administration and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University.

As interim CEO, Julie will oversee daily operations of the organization, provide leadership where needed, meet all fundraising and activities deadlines, and carry out responsibilities determined by the Search Committee.

Julie is a member of the Glenner Centers’ board of directors and LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation. She lives in Alpine with her husband, three children and many four-legged friends.

No, It's Not Old Age for 60% of People

Just read a startling statistic in a UK publication. "Six out of ten people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia go undiagnosed, figures revealed yesterday. Almost 400,000 individuals and their families are failing to get vital help from the NHS, according to campaigners. But up to two thirds of adults don't understand the differences between normal signs of ageing and symptoms of dementia, says a survey."

So often we fail to recognize symptoms in ourselves or our loved ones, simply because we don't want to face the consequences - maybe either way. Even with normal aging, most of us reach a point when we need assistance  and with it, some loss of independence. Earlier this year members of The George G. Glenner Medical Advisory Board gave a great presentation on signs of normal aging versus dementia. In light of this survey, we thought it might be a good idea to resurrect that slide show. It's easy to follow and full of useful information as you try to decide the best solution.

Is It Normal or Is It Dementia?

View more presentations from GlennerCenters

Daily Mail Article: 2/3 of Adults Don't Recognize Dementia Symptoms

Alzheimer's Hits the Workplace in a Big Way

The other day a group of social workers gathered informally and the discussion turned to Alzheimer's. More people are being diagnosed at an earlier age when they are still working. Today's Chicago Tribune illustrates the struggles of those diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease in an article about the tough choices that must be made by both employees and their employers and co-workers.

The article also taps into an even larger concern: caregivers trying to hold it all together at work while their loved one is mentally and maybe physically deteriorating at home. Consider this passage:

At Harris, Rothenberg International, a provider of employee-assistance programs for corporate clients, there has been a 100 percent increase since 2009 in the number of calls for help dealing with employees who have Alzheimer's or with employees who are saddled with demanding caretaking responsibilities for a loved one.

"The recession is keeping some people at work long after they intended to retire because they have to work," said Randy Martin, director of clinical services at Harris, Rothenberg. "A lot of people also want to keep working simply because of desire. Whatever the reason, employers are encountering more people with dementia in the workplace."

And this:

"Sixty percent of caregivers for people with dementia are employed full- or part-time," Martin said. "It's a major drain on their ability to focus at work. They need all kinds of support to help care for their parent or spouse or relative."

Many caregivers do not realize there's an option between in-home care and assisted living or a skilled nursing facility. Adult day care programs can bridge the gap in care while a spouse or adult child is at work. If you or someone you know is in this situation where the cost of caregiving is seriously impacting their ability to work, consider contacting one of our adult day care centers to determine if one of our programs is an ideal solution. You can contact us at 619-543-4700.

Article: Alzheimer's Forces Workers to Make Tough Choices