It's #GivingTuesday ... Time to Be a Little #Unselfie

In case you missed it, "selfie" was declared the word of the year. And for those totally detached from the phenomenon, it's when you take a photo of yourself - usually with your smartphone or tablet. In fact, some phone now tout a selfie feature as a marketing tool. We've all seen celebrity selfies and probably witnessed a few while on vacation.

Today is #GivingTuesday, which never gets the hype of Black Fridays or Cyber Mondays because the roles are reversed and instead of offering savings, charities go looking for it in the form of donations.

We hope that those who can will consider making a donation to their favorite charity today ... or whenever they are able. Paying if forward produces far more authentic karma points than many of the presents you'll be giving this month.

Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is again sponsoring a National Memory Screening Day in which you or someone you know can be screened for memory loss at one of many sites around the nation, state and even San Diego County.

For a complete listing, visit the AFA Web site.

According to the site, "Memory screenings make sense for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. Screenings also are appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now, but who wants to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons."

For local screenings and contact information, here is a rundown from the site that includes the location and if the service is offered in Spanish:

Name of Organization:	Carlsbad By The Sea Retirement Community
Location of Screening:	2855 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, California 92008
Time of Screening:	November 19, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Phone Number:	760-435-2312
Screenings will be provided in:	English

 

 

Name of Organization:	Delia Silva, Psy.D.
Location of Screening:	3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. A-208 San Diego, California 92110
Time of Screening:	Call for Information
Phone Number:	866-437-0375
Screenings will be provided in:	English, Spanish
Website:	http://www.sdpsyd.com

 

Name of Organization:	Golden Gardens
Location of Screening:	725 Golden Lane Fallbrook, California 92028
Time of Screening:	Call for Information
Phone Number:	760-645-3325
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.golden-gardens.com

 

Name of Organization:	Gupta Psychology & Assessment Services
Location of Screening:	3990 Old Town Ave., Ste. A-208 San Diego, California 92110
Time of Screening:	November 19, 9:00AM-12:00PM, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	619-537-9345
Screenings will be provided in:	English

 

Name of Organization:	Jewish Family Service, University City Older Adult Center
Location of Screening:	9001 Towne Centre Drive San Diego, California 92122-2440
Time of Screening:	November 19, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Phone Number:	858-550-5998
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.jfssd.org

 

Name of Organization:	Pacific Research Network
Location of Screening:	3003 Fourth Ave. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	Every Day, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	619-294-4302
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Name of Organization:	Pacific Research Network, Inc.
Location of Screening:	3003 Fourth Ave. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	November 19, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Phone Number:	619-294-4302
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://prnsd.com

 

Name of Organization:	St. Paul's Senior Homes & Services
Location of Screening:	328 Maple St. San Diego, California 92103
Time of Screening:	November 19, 9:30AM-11:30AM
Phone Number:	619-239-6900, ext:3007
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	http://www.stpaulseniors.org

 

Name of Organization:	UCSD Comprehensive Alzheimer's Program
Location of Screening:	8950 Villa La Jolla Dr., Suite C-126 La Jolla, California 92037-1712
Time of Screening:	Every Day, By Appointment Only
Phone Number:	858-246-1300
Screenings will be provided in:	English
Website:	https://cap.ucsd.edu/

 

Name of Organization:	UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Location of Screening:	8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Ste. C-129 La Jolla, California 92037
Time of Screening:	November 19, By Appointment Only & Every Day
Phone Number:	858-822-4800
Screenings will be provided in:	English, Spanish
Website:	http://adrc.ucsd.edu

 

Want to Experience Dementia Firsthand?

This Wednesday you can literally walk in the shoes of someone who is aging with dementia during a Virtual Dementia Tour that we're conducting at our Corporate Office in Hillcrest (3702 Fourth Avenue, San Diego 92103) on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013.

We have 15-minute slots available between 1 and 2:30 p.m. During that time, specially trained staff from Silverado Senior Living Escondido will take you on a "tour" and complete several simple tasks while artificially impaired. Refreshments will be provided too. Everyone who took part in a previous tour walked away saying it was a powerful experience, tranformational even.

So, if you want a sneak peak at what may lie ahead or you currently are living with or helping to support someone with dementia, please call us at (619) 543-4700 to register TODAY.

Alice Avigal: Why Music Moves Us

Music therapist Alice Avigal is retiring after more than 30 years of service in both the San Diego Community College District and our Glenner Hillcrest Center.

We spent a few minutes following a final session with our participants to talk about the role music plays in the lives of those with a memory impairment and the role she’s played for three decades in our lives.

Part of what “made things so wonderful,” she said, was approaching her role as less of a teacher and more as a therapist learning from others who had so much to offer.

“And I think because of that I came to them with an open heart and said, ‘You have a lot of years on me and I have a lot to learn from you.’ And I was able to give them a lot of respect and honor their life experiences and their beautiful spirits,” she said.

Music therapy for this particular population is important to their overall well-being and one of the programs we both stress and specialize in at the Glenner Centers.

“Part of the brain that learns and retains music is one of the last parts to go when Alzheimer’s attacks,” Alice explained. “So when someone loses their ability to speak, they still can retain their ability to sing.

“It’s like the guy who stutters but can sing. It increases their self-esteem, it promotes social interaction and shortcuts any academic, intellectual learning.”

Alice said she understood the importance of playing songs from participants’ youth – sometimes over and over – but would occasionally try to introduce new material.

“Alice has been here almost as long as we’ve been here, and the music she brings appeals to everybody, and so everyone looks forward to her visits,” said Maria Stefanic, the activity coordinator for the Hillcrest Center.

“She’s able to bring out something in everybody that comes to the center,” she added.

“It’s been a good journey,” Alice said. “But it’s time to say good-bye.”

Thank you, Alice, for sharing your time and talent with us for all these years. We will continue to sing your praises.

How to Respond to Agitation in Someone with Dementia

We all become agitated at some point in our lives, even our days, and that frustration and anxiety manifests in myriad ways, from sudden withdrawal to verbal physical aggression. People with dementia may not be able to articulate pain or annoyance the same way able-minded people can, and so they express themselves with behaviors that can be disconcerting and even harmful.

This week Dr. Glenn Panzer, M.D., who is the chief medical director at Elizabeth Hospice, outlined the triggers and treatments when caring for someone with dementia who appears agitated. His presentation was part of the monthly meeting of the San Diego Dementia Consortium in Escondido. Dr. Panzer also is president of the consortium.

The first step is to try and treat the underlying cause, which requires you attempt to determine what might be causing the behavior. Consider the following internal triggers, some of which are obvious and some not so much:

• Pain
• Infection (such as urinary tract infection, which is more common in the elderly)
• Sleep Deprivation
• Withdrawal from drugs, such as opiods or barbituates; alcohol; or cigarettes
• Depression
• Medication or anesthesia
• “Metabolic encephalopathy,” which is a typically temporary brain disorder caused by abnormal body metabolism
• Hypoxia (reduced oxygen)
• Toileting needs
• Hunger
• Constipation
• Tiredness

There are also environmental stimuli that can cause verbal or physical aggression, such as:

•  Misinterpreting an approach (you need to explain what you’re doing before you start doing it)

 • Delusions
 • Confinement to a chair (which causes discomfort)
 • Loud noises
 • Too dark or too light in a room or outdoors

In all of these instances, a person with dementia may not be able to tell you what is wrong. They may be confused by what is happening and what you are doing and lash out instinctively. If the behavior is persistent or potentially harmful, drug and non-drug treatments may be appropriate.

Non-drug Treatments
Treating agitation without the use of medication is always preferable. Some non-pharmacologic treatments include:

 • Redirection (where you try to take their mind off something by introducing them to something else)
 • Removing the annoying stimuli, such as lowing the lighting or music or raising the volume on the television
 • Checking to see if they need to use a restroom or are incontinent
 • Repositioning them, especially if they are using a wheelchair without a gel seat
 • Playing music known to calm them (though this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “calm” music)

There’s a movement away from using antipsychotic drugs and more toward complementary and alternative medicines. Such therapies include:

• Music therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Touch
• Massage Therapy

If medication appears to be an option or recommended solution, there are numerous types known to help with agitation and/or anxiety in patients with dementia. They include painkillers, antidepressants, mood stabilizers (such as lithium and Depokote/Tegretol), anxiolytics (such as Prozac, Ativan and Buspar), and cholinesterase inhibitors (Cognex, Aricept, Exellon and Reminyl).

Last Day to Register for Our Symposium

A Symposium on Elder Abuse & Neglect Training

for Health Care Providers

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Sharp Spectrum Auditorium

8695 Spectrum Center Blvd. , San Diego, CA 92123

REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 5

Hear the latest information and find out about empowering resources for your senior-aged patients and clients. You’ll hear from Elder Abuse prosecutors and police, health care professionals specifically trained in Elder Care fields as well as specialized attorneys and fiduciaries so that you feel confident in identifying and reporting cases of suspected Elder Abuse and Neglect in your practice and community.

Symposium speakers include:

“The Demographics of Aging”
Colin Depp, PhD, UCSD, Stein Center for Successful Aging, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

“The Law, Elder Abuse and Neglect, and Our Role”
Paul Greenwood, J.D., Deputy District Attorney, Head of Elder Abuse Prosecutions for the San Diego District Attorney’s Office

“Elder Abuse: What You Need to Know for Our Fast Growing Older Population”
Steven Tam, M.D., Geriatrician, Department of Geriatrics; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Irvine

“Dental Neglect in Older Adults”
Janet Bauer, D.D.S. M.Ed, M.P.H., M.B.A., Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

“Identity Theft”
Scott Tolstad, Investigator, Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit, Escondido Police Department; licensed professional fiduciary

“APS: Making the Report”
Anabel Kuykendall, San Diego County Aging and Independence Services County of San Diego

“What if the Golden Years are not so Golden: Dementia and Conservatorship”
Nancy Kaupp Ewin, Certified Legal Specialist – Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law; Elder Law Attorney: Estate and Trust Planning, Conservatorships and End-of-Life Planning

“What is a Private Fiduciary?”
Stella Shvil, J.D., C.L.P.F., Past President, Professional Fiduciary Association of California

“Geriatric Care Managers: How We Help Protect Vulnerable Seniors”
Amy Abrams, M.S.W./M.P.H. C.M.C., Geriatric Care Manager, Vice President, Client Services, Elder Care Guides

Did you know that nationally . . .

• Adults between age 60 and 70 are at three times the risk of being emotionally abused compared to adults over the age of 70.
• Seventy-six percent of perpetrators of physical mistreatment of older adults are family members.
• Acquaintances accounted for 19% of physical mistreatment of elders, and strangers make up 3%.
• In adults ages 60 and older, 1.6% reported that they had experienced physical mistreatment in the past year and 5% were currently being financially exploited by family members.
• In adults ages 60 and older, of those who were sexually abused, 16% reported to police and 53% said they were sexually mistreated by a family member.
• Of those who reported both crimes and their age to the Federal Trade Commission in 2010, people 60 and older made 14% of fraud complaints and 14% of identity theft complaints.

Source: San Diego County Aging & Independence Services

Receive 6 CEUs for attending this symposium (license categories include: RN, LCSW, DDS, RDH, RDA, RCFE, Cal . Lic. Professional Fiduciaries and more)

Cost: $60. Includes a continental breakfast and lunch as well as snacks and beverages.
You can register online by June 5. For more information or to register by phone: call (619) 543-4700.

Sponsored by:



Special thanks to the San Diego County Dental Society for CEUs and Alvarado Institute of Skin Care at Grossmont Medical Center for gifts for our participants.

Penn State Study Shows Adult Day Care Reduces Caregiver Stress

A new Penn State study shows caregivers who take relatives with dementia to an adult day care center are far less stressed than those days they do not. This can translate into better health long term, which will help keep that loved one at home for longer.

The study confirms what most family caregivers come to realize: adult day programs not only benefit those with a memory impairment but also the caregiver. It should bring comfort to those who have been reluctant to enroll a loved one because of guilt or fear their relative will be angry and/or reject them.

"Caregivers who live with and care for someone with dementia can experience extraordinary amounts of stress," said Steven Zarit, the professor who lead the human development and family studies research at Penn State.
"The use of adult day services appears to provide caregivers with a much-needed break that can possibly protect them from the negative health effects caused by chronic stress."

Often evidence of an improvement in well-being has been anectodal, but the Penn State study took a systematic approach to track caregivers’ responses on a daily basis. The researchers conducted eight daily telephone interviews on consecutive days with 173 family caregivers of individuals with dementia who use an adult day service. The researchers gauged the caregivers’ stress levels and positive events they’d been exposed to that day, whether or not their relative attended a day program that day.

The researchers then plugged responses into a mathematical formula to statistically reveal that caregivers were less stressed and less depressed on the days their loved one was at adult day care. They also were better able to weather the bumps in the road that come to anyone on such a long, difficult journey.

"Overall, our findings demonstrate that stressors on caregivers are partly lowered and mood is improved on days when their relatives attend adult day service programs, which may provide protection against the negative effects of chronic stress associated with caregiving," Zarit said.

Those negative effects include a higher risk of health-related issues caused by chronic and acute stress, such as heart disease and especially high blood pressure.

Upcoming Free Workshops for Family Caregivers

Living with Alzheimer's for Caregivers: Early Stage
This two-part series provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease. The classes are presented by the Alzheimer's Association and will be held noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6 and 13, at Somerford Place Encinitas (1350 South El Camino Real, Encinitas CA 92024). Register at (800) 272-3900.

The Power of Touch
This is a free two-hour workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on January 3, February 7 and March 7 is designed to provide caregivers with essential tools for self-care and relaxation. The sessions take place at the Herrick Community Health Care Library (9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942). Learn simple techniques to manage caregiver burnout, increase relaxation and promote healing. This program includes lecture, demonstration and experiential learning. Please dress comfortably. Registration is required by calling (800) 827-4277 or www.sharp.com.

Help! I'm a Caregiver
Are you helping a loved one with socialization, finances, transportation, meals or other activities? Find out about resources for family caregivers, placement options, support groups and more. This free class also covers emotional issues about caring for a loved one. The class, led by Andrea Holmberg of the Sharp Senior Resource Center, takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 7 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital's Brier Patch Campus (9000 Wakarusa Street, Room 13/14, La Mesa CA). To register call (800) 827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com.

Addressing Behavior Through Compassionate Communication
Learn ways to imrpove communication with memory-impaired individuals from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, February 7 at the Escondido Senior Center (210 Park Avenue, Escondido CA 92025). Call the Alzheimer's Association to register at (800) 272-3900.

Planning for Future Health Care Needs
This dynamic one-hour workshop will provide participants with the tools to help identify values, goals of care and the communication skills required to select the appropriate health care agent. Led by Colleen Linnertz, LMFT, the workshop will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion (3075 Health Center Drive, San Diego CA). Registration required by calling (800) 827-4277 or visiting www.sharp.com.

Living with Alzheimer's for Caregivers: Middle Stage
This two-part series will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 14 and 28, 2013 at Silverado Senior Living Escondido (1500 Borden Road, Escondido, CA 92026. Learn practical answers to the questions that arise in the middle stage of Alzheimer's Disease. To register, contact the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

The Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
Do you have a family member or friend with dementia with Lewy Bodies or Parkinson's Disease with dementia? if so, the Southern Caregiver Resource Center, UCSD Parkinson's Disease Research Consortium and Parkinson's Association of San Diego invite you and your loved ones to a free conference. The event takes place 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, February 15 at First United Methodist Church's Linder Hall (2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego CA 92108) and includes breakfast, resource fair and free care for your loved one upon request. Keynote speaker is Dr. Jody Corey-Bloom, M.D., Ph.D, a professor of neurosciences at UCSD. To register, call (800) 827-1008.

Town Hall Forum: Making a Plan, The Smart Approach to Future Alzheimer's Care Needs
This caregiver forum presented by ActivCare will focus on how to plan for the future as Alzheimer's disease or another dementias progress. The sessions takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, at the Lake San Marcos Resort Conference Center (1121 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos CA 92078). Speakers include Drs. Neil Levine and Dan Sewell from the Glenner Memory Care Advisory Council and board member Judi Copeland of AALL CARE In-Home Services. Geriatric Care Manager Jean Alton rounds out the speaker roster. Free day care provided by the Glenner Center Encinitas with at least a week's advanced registration by calling (760) 635-1895. To register for the Town Hall Forum, call (888) MEM-LOSS or visit ActivCareLiving.com.

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters
This workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer s Disease, the benefits of early detection, as well as tips to follow up on any concerns that attendees may have about themselves or someone they care about. Presented by Holly Probst of the Alzheimer's Association, the workshop runs 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, February 25 at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A. Register at (800) 827-4277 or (800) 272-3900.