A Picasso In Our Midst

This week, I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the 19^th annual Broward Alzheimer’s Coordinating Council conference. This was an important day for me for a few reasons. First, it is always a great day when I am with caregivers, but in particular, there were people in this room that had been there for me and my family when we started caring for our loved ones back in the early nineties.  One of these caring professionals was Monica Dunkley, the loving administrator from my grandfather’s Adult Day Care facility, who I talk about in the story Okay We Go Now.    Another was Elaine Schumacher, the first person I told about my notion that caregivers needed and deserved a magazine, who had been immediately gung-ho on the idea from the very beginning and is still a close friend and advisor.   

Then there were the other experts in the room – the family caregivers, who each held another piece to the puzzle of what it takes to provide the best care for our loved ones and ourselves.  When the conversation came around to the things we do to help ourselves cope, the answers were flying around the room. One gentleman who is caregiving for his wife discovered a life-changing solution for self-care.  He has started to go to weekly adult education classes for art, a subject that has always intrigued him, and in the process, discovered a talent and passion that he didn’t know he possessed.  This burgeoning Picasso has found out that he is actually darn good at it and that painting has significantly reduced his stress level as well as helped him with his ability to concentrate. He is still a full time caregiver for his wife, but Tuesday nights belong to him.  Now that’s true artistry.       

2006 Caregiver Friendly Award Nomination

Our discussion forum has changed for the better, and  you will be able to access posts from as far back as July 2005. Visit caregiver.com and click on the discussion forum link on the left.

Grant   Opportunity
The Johnson & Johnson/Rosalynn Carter Institute Caregivers Program is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding for communities to initiate, expand, or replicate collaborative community-based programs that address one or more of these top needs of family caregivers:  respite care, skill  development, information/education, and caregiver health and well-being. Applications are being accepted from organizations in the following states only: Colorado Georgia New Jersey Tennessee Texas Organizations selected by the J&J/RCI Caregivers Program will receive a $40,000 one-year grant and will also receive both on-site and off-site technical assistance provided by J&J/RCI Caregivers Program staff.     Applications for the 2006 funding cycle are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. EST on March 31, 2006.  Please visit www.RosalynnCarter.org for additional information or contact Tegrin Averett, Program Liaison, at 229-931-2758 or via e-mail at: taverett@canes.gsw.edu.
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Feature Story
Let's Dance by: Diane Shepherd Let me tell you about someone really special - my Mother...Continued
Additional Articles:: Medicine + Technology + Telecommunications = Telemedicine By Hilary Gibson During the past decade, more and more people have been able to avoid physically going into work by telecommuting from their home computer.....Continued Helping Children Gain Control By Salha Mishaan   Incontinence is usually thought of as a condition strictly limited to the elderly, or at the very least those who are “older.” . ...Continued
Guest Column
The Reluctant Caregiver By Kate Murphy, R.N. It was easy for me the first time around as a caregiver. Twenty years ago I was much younger and emotionally stronger to carry out the role. ...Continued
Caretips
Coping With Stress and Anxiety By Jennifer Buckley   Here are a few guidelines you can use now to help alleviate your anxiety. Recognize and admit that you are feeling stressed and anxious. ...Continued
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Carenotes
I have a 95 year old grandmother who has been in her daughter's care for the last several years. For the last 2 years she has been bed ridden in a small room inside the house. We are seeking funds to build a 12x12 room more suitable for her current condition. Do you know of any federal or Alabama programs that might fit this need? Thanks, RH   Answer This Week's CareNote: carenotes/2006/index.htm
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