May|June 2012 A bi-monthly newsletter published by the

Supporting Family Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project

A Few Facts about Family Caregiving

• Over one-third of employed women

and one-quarter of employed men

over 45 are caregivers.

• The majority of caregivers feel they

are successfully coping with their

responsibilities.

• Fewer than 25 percent receive formal

help in caring for their family member

• 70 percent of caregivers describe their

task as stressful and an equal number

state they would like a break from

their duties, at least occasionally.

Celebrating BC Family Caregiver Week, May 5 to 11

Young or old, almost four million Canadians

are involved in some kind of family caregiving

over the course of their lives. Family caregiv-

ing ranges anywhere from providing full-time

physical care for someone to providing trans-

portation, shopping or assistance with house-

hold chores.

BC Family Caregiver Week is an opportunity

to recognize the work done by those who

look after their friends or family members—

without financial compensation. Not only do

they provide high quality caring support, but

they also save our heath care system substan-

tial cost. To continue to care for others, care-

givers must also look after their own health,

something they may neglect.

A number of local organizations are planning

events for Family Caregiver Week, May 5 to

11. We’re looking forward to our May 5th

education session at the Seymour Golf Club

featuring well-respected authority on caregiv-

ing, Wendy Lustbader. Using an interactive

format, she will explore how caregivers can

reclaim joy in life and preserve their own well

-being as well as that of their care receiver.

(For more details, see our poster on page 3.)

The Family Caregiver Network Society,

www.fcns-caregiving.org, is also offering the

two BC-wide tele-workshops, listed on page

4 of the attached calendar.

We hope you’ll take the opportunity to par-

ticipate in one or more of these events and to

recognize yourself for the important work

that you do.

May|June 2012

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 2

continued on page 4

For the last seven years dental hygienist

Ashifa Dharamsi has taken her practice,

Strictly Prevention Inc, out of the dental

office and into the community. Making stops

at long-term care facilities and private homes,

she provides oral assessments and dental

cleanings, focusing on prevention. She points

out that maintaining healthy gums and teeth

can be especially challenging for seniors.

As we age, our teeth age along with us and

poor oral health can affect health as a whole.

Teeth become more brittle, gums recede and

we produce less saliva, which allows food par-

ticles and bacteria to linger and cause decay.

Poor dental health is linked to heart disease,

stroke, and respiratory problems. Those with

dental problems who are unable to chew are

at risk for progressive weakening brought on

by malnutrition. Risk of oral cancers increases

with age. Also, embarrassment over tooth loss

and bad breath can cause seniors to withdraw

from their supportive social circle.

Ms. Dharamsi advises that good oral care is

the best way to prevent dental complications.

She suggests the following simple tips to help

ensure teeth and gums stay healthy for a life-

time:

- Take frequent sips of water throughout the

day.

- Rinse with plain water after meals to remove

any remaining food particles.

- Brush your tongue daily, as far back as you

can without gagging.

- Brush your teeth twice a day, at least, with a

focus on the gum line.

- Floss daily.

- Avoid using toothpicks as they can damage

the gums. Instead, try using an interden-

tal toothbrush, available at drug stores, to

remove material that gets stuck between

teeth.

- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sticky sugary foods

and sweet juices.

- Schedule regular appointments with your

dentist and dental hygienist.

One option for anyone who finds it difficult to

get to the dentist office is to make an appoint-

ment with a visiting dentist or mobile dental

hygienist. Contact the BC Dental Association

at 604-415-4559 or info@bcdha.bc.ca for a

list of mobile dentists on the North Shore. For

contact information of mobile dental hygien-

ists, contact The BC Dental Hygienists Associa-

tion at 604-415-4559 or info@bcdha.bc.ca.

For those unable to afford dental fees, there

are a number of low-cost clinics in the Van-

couver area. The UBC Dental School clinic,

604-822-2112, runs a general dentistry clinic.

Dental Care for a Lifetime of Smiles

by Josie Padro

with Wendy Lustbader, MSWwith Wendy Lustbader, MSWwith Wendy Lustbader, MSWwith Wendy Lustbader, MSW

the challenges and joys

Caregivers often defer their own needs for

the sake of family members needing as-

sistance. Drifting between difficult emo-

tions is also common, such as giving too

much and feeling resentful, then setting

limits and feeling guilty.

Learn how the heart and soul of caregiv-

ing is nourished by reclaiming joy and pre-

serving well-being for both caregivers and

their care partners.

This interactive workshop is open to family

caregivers and health care providers, to

celebrate BC Family Caregiver Week,

May 5 to 11, 2012.

Presenter Wendy Lustbader is a therapist, teacher and author of a several books in the

field of caregiving and aging. She is a popular speaker at conferences, using storytelling

to animate complex subjects. She is an affiliate associate professor at the University of

Washington School of Social Work.

A light lunch will be served.

Music by the North Shore Celtic Ensemble.

Cost: Free

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00Saturday, May 5, 2012, 10:00––––2:00 pm2:00 pm2:00 pm2:00 pm

Seymour Golf and Country Club

3723 Mount Seymour Parkway

North Vancouver

To register or for more information, contact Helen at

604-982-3313 or helen.wait@nscr.bc.ca.

The Caregiver Support project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program.

Heart and Soul of CaregivingHeart and Soul of CaregivingHeart and Soul of Caregiving

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 4

A Lifetime of Smiles

continued from page 2

• If person is having difficulty holding a

toothbrush, it may be adapted for easier

handling. Check with your medical supply

or drug store for a strap or large-handled

tooth brush. You can fashion your own

adapted handle by cutting a slit in a ten-

nis ball and inserting a regular

toothbrush.

• If tooth paste bothers the person you are

caring for, use water instead.

• Try a floss holder if flossing becomes dif-

ficult.

• Brushing someone’s teeth for them may

feel awkward at first. The Canadian

Dental Association suggests standing be-

hind the person while they are sitting

down and supporting the person’s head

while you brush. Ask the person if you

are brushing too hard. Using an electric

toothbrush may be easier.

• Clean dentures daily with denture

cleaner and then rinse with water. In-

spect them for cracks.

• Soak dentures overnight in denture

cleanser or a solution of half vinegar and

half water. If the dentures have metal

clasps, soak them in warm water only.

• Inspect the tissues in the person’s mouth

occasionally. Watch for white or red-

dened areas, swelling, or sores that

haven’t healed. If you see any of these

things report them to the dentist.

• Remember to book regular visits with

your dentist and dental hygienist.

Dental Care Tips for Family Caregivers

Many of the colleges that offer dental hygiene

programs offer low-cost cleaning and preven-

tive treatments. Call the institution directly for

information or obtain a list of locations from

the College of Dental Hygienists of BC at 1-800

-778-8277. To download a copy from their

site, www.cdhbc.com, go to the “Forms and

Resources” tab and click on “Affordable/Lower

Cost Clinics in BC.”

The need for regular dental care doesn’t stop

at retirement. It’s clear that, when it comes to

our teeth, a little prevention goes a long way

to preserving a healthy smile and to saving us

the prospect of costly dental bills.

Choosing an Executor

by Lawyer and Director of the North Shore Community Foundation, Jackie Morris

Page 3 May|June 2012 Page 5

George was a suc-

cessful small busi-

nessman. When he

died, he left a third

wife and four chil-

dren, two from each

of his previous

marriages.

In his Will, George divided his estate equally

among his wife and four children. He ap-

pointed all five as joint executors of his Will,

because, “I don’t want to show any favourit-

ism. The Will did not have a “majority rules”

clause. The two sets of children can’t stand

each other, and no one can tolerate the third

wife. Right from the beginning, this estate was

in trouble.

An executor is the legal representative of an

estate. He or she locates all the assets, pays

the debts and taxes, and carries out the in-

structions in the Will. It can be the equivalent

of a part-time job and may last from six

months to several years, depending on the

family, the assets and any complications. An

executor is entitled to a fee, which is taxed as

income and to payment of any expenses in-

curred.

The appointment of an appropriate executor

eases the grief and stress on family and

friends.

An ideal executor is:

· Honest

· Willing and able to spend the time

· Comfortable managing money and paper-

work, and meeting with banks, lawyers

and accountants

· Tactful and can deal fairly

· Not afraid to ask for help (this quality makes

it possible for many people to act as an

executor)

An executor need not live in BC, but the es-

tate must be dealt with here, so trips to BC

add to the time commitment.

The will should name an executor and an al-

ternate. Co-executors can be appointed if

they can work together. If there is no family

member or friend who is able and willing to

do the job, a trust company or the Public

Guardian and Trustee of BC can be appointed.

George’s wife and four children eventually

agreed to appoint a neutral third party as ex-

ecutor of the estate. If they had been unable

to find a solution, the estate and George’s

business would have been in stalemate—

which would have required the intervention

of the court. Listening to legal advice and ap-

pointing an appropriate executor in the Will

would have saved a lot of unnecessary cost,

time and stress.

This article has been reprinted with permission from LEAVE A LEGACY™ www.leavealegacy.ca

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 6

Pain Medication by Prescription

by Shamim Confortin, Pharmacist

The array of prescription medications to treat

pain is extensive and includes the most com-

mon categories of opiates, non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antidepres-

sants and anticonvulsants. Treatments for

acute and chronic pain are as diverse as the

causes and there are many alternative thera-

pies that can be used as well.

NSAIDS reduce inflammation and subse-

quently, pain. They are hard on the stomach,

must always be taken with food and are not

recommended for patients on blood thinners.

Opioids are narcotic pain medications such as

codeine, morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl.

Opiates are primarily used for acute pain like

after a surgery and can also be used for

chronic pain. They do not interact with blood

thinners but often cause stomach side effects

such as nausea and constipation.

Drowsiness is a common concern as is the

possibility of addiction.

By adjusting the neurotransmitters in the

brain, antidepressants provide a sense of well

being, especially when dealing with chronic

pain. Antidepressants cannot be taken on an

as-needed basis and must be used regularly

to establish a steady level of medication in

the body. Celexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, and Paxil

are the most commonly prescribed antide-

pressants, with Cymbalta being the newest.

Side effects are less common in the long run,

however, nausea, constipation and dry mouth

can be experienced.

Anticonvulsants typically treat seizure disor-

ders although some do help with pain man-

agement. The mechanism of action is unclear

but it is thought that anticonvulsants make

nerve endings less sensitive to pain. Neu-

rontin and Lyrica are used most often and

their side effects include drowsiness and diz-

ziness.

Complementary therapies such as acupunc-

ture, chiropractic, and massage therapy may

not have as much documented scientific data

to prove their effectiveness, however many

patients find them very beneficial. Yoga,

guided imagery, biofeedback and hypnosis

can also be added.

No single prescription or treatment plan is

guaranteed to work however pain relief can

be found using a combination of available

options.

The purpose of this column is not to advise people on their health concerns, but to provide basic information

for discussion with their own health provider.

May|June 2012 Page 7

Websites Worth Browsing

by Josie Padro

Laugh Lines

A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00am by a pounding at the door. The man gets up and

goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

“Not a chance,” says the husband. He slams the door and returns to bed.

“Who was that?” asks the wife.

“Just some drunk guy asking for a push,” he answers.

“Did you help him?” she asks.

“No, I didn't. It’s three in the morning and it’s pouring rain out there!”

“Well you have a short memory,” says his wife. “Can’t you remember when we broke down

and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of

yourself!”

The man gets dressed; goes out into the rain, and calls out, “Hello, are you still there?”

“Yes,” came back the answer.

“Do you still need a push?” asks the husband.

“Yes, please!” comes the reply.

“Where are you?” asks the husband.

“Over here on the swing!” replies the drunk.

Canadian Caregiver Coalition

www.ccc-ccan.ca

The Canadian Caregiver Coalition site is a

good source of information on all aspects of

caregiving. It provides links to resources in

the community and online for a variety of is-

sues such as respite and financial resources.

The CCC also advocates for caregivers.

Victorian Order of Nurses www.von.ca

The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) website

is filled with an extensive amount of informa-

tion. From the their Home Page, navigate to

www.caregiver-connect.ca which is specifi-

cally for caregivers. There you’ll find care-plan

templates, medication charts and other docu-

ments to download. Take a stress quiz to

evaluate how you are coping. You can also

subscribe to their newsletter, The Caregiver

Connector, published several times a year.

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine Page 8

Tips for Healthy Eating

by Josie Padro

Thanks to the Dieticians of Canada for the fol-

lowing healthy eating tips. Speaking to a

qualified dietician is as simple as picking up

the phone and calling HealthLink BC at 811.

The HealthLink BC dieticians are helpful and

willing to answer any diet-

related questions. The service is

free.

Dial up the flavor

Cut down on salt by substitut-

ing your favourite herbs, spices,

mustard, salsa or a squeeze of

lemon.

Try something new

Experiment with alternate pro-

tein sources such as beans, tofu, peas and

lentils.

Load up on veggies with a stir-fry

Stir-fries make healthy meals that are quick to

cook and will taste great with almost any com-

bination of veggies you have in your fridge.

Dieticians of Canada suggest using a combina-

tion of red, green and yellow peppers to add

colour, or creating a Asian theme by incorpo-

rating bok choy, water chestnuts and minia-

ture corn. Thinly sliced carrots, celery and

even cabbage add flavor, colour and nutrients.

Treat yourself

The dieticians of Canada website reminds us

not to worry about an occasional treat or less-

than-healthy food. They say an indulgence

now and then is acceptable. What’s important

is maintaining a healthy diet most of the time.

Snack between meals

Once considered an unhealthy

eating habit, snacking between

meals is now recommended as a

way to keep energized through-

out the day and to keep blood

sugar from fluctuating. The Dieti-

cians of Canada recommend that

we eat every three to four hours

throughout the day. They suggest

keeping healthy snacks such as

fruits or low-fat dairy products on

hand and drinking plenty of fluids.

Take out your magnifying glass

Read those labels. Foods that are truly low-fat

must contain less than 3 grams of fat per

serving.

Don’t forget the fibre

Oatmeal isn’t just a healthy breakfast, it

makes a great snack. Cook some up and add a

handful of your favourite dried fruit for extra

flavor and nutrients.

To find a dietician, visit the Dieticians of

Canada website, www.dietitians.ca or call

HealthLink at 811.

It turns out that writing down our thoughts

can have positive mental, and perhaps even

physical, benefits. An 2006 article in The Jour-

nal of Social and Clinical Psychology reported

that those who keep a journal may enjoy bet-

ter sleep and need fewer health care visits.

While researchers weren’t quite sure why

these benefits occurred, they did suggest that

people who are able to write down and ex-

press their emotions were better able to relax

and reaped the benefits that came with low-

ered stress.

Starting out

• Set aside a quite time of your day for reflec-

tion, even if it’s only 5 or 10 minutes.

• Choose a quiet place where you will be free

of interruptions.

• Write at the same time every day.

• Feel free to include mementos such as draw-

ings, ticket stubs, or pressed flowers.

• Allow your entries to be as long as

you like or as short as you like.

• Try not to let your internal editor take over.

Perfect spelling and grammar are not the

point of this exercise.

Benefits

• helps work through thoughts and feelings.

• helps put events, past and present, into per-

spective.

• provides a safe venue to express feelings of

frustration or anger and to work out how

those feels could be expressed construc-

tively.

Page 9 May|June 2012

Putting it Down on Paper

by Josie Padro

Recording Life Stories

Writing also helps us preserve our stories and

those of our family. Once written, they can

provide younger generations with a meaning-

ful record of past events they may never have

known about. Adding photographs is also a

wonderful way to make people and stories

come to life.

A number of websites invite people to post

their family stories. Even for readers who are

not related, the stories provide poignant

glimpses in to the lives of those who came

before us. Warning: the following sites may

keep you reading longer than you intended.

Forget Me Not Book, forgetmenotbook.com,

allows friends and family members to con-

tribute and share online their memories of a

person. The collected stories can help those

with dementia keep their memories alive, or

provide a way for family members to remind

someone of meaningful times shared.

Another website that allows family members

to post stories is mymothersstory.org. It’s full

of wonderful pictures and touching life sto-

ries of mothers, told by their children.

The Family Caregivers’

Grapevine is a bi-monthly

publication intended to

support family caregivers by

promoting the importance of

self-care while providing

practical information and

resources.

If you have any questions or

feedback about the

newsletter, please contact

the editor at:

josie.padro@nscr.bc.ca

The Supporting Caregivers

Across the Lifespan Project

is located at:

North Shore Community Resources

201-935 Marine Drive

(Capilano Mall)

North Vancouver, BC

V7P 1S3

Tel: 604-985-7138

Fax: 604-985-0645

This project is funded by the

Government of Canada’s Social

Development Partnerships

Program. The opinions and

interpretations in this

publication are those of the

authors and do not necessarily

reflect those of the Government

of Canada.

The Supporting Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project

The Project provides:

● Education sessions for family caregivers

● Social recreation programs

● Expressive arts programming

● Tele-learning education sessions for family caregivers

(educational workshops over the phone)

● Education for professionals working with family caregivers

● Education for employers

Additional activities provided by the Caregiver Support Program:

● Family Caregiver Network groups

● Stress management and relaxation workshops

● Telephone support and individual consultation

● Educational workshops

● Information and referral to community services

● Library with books, videos, and other educational

resources

The Supporting Caregivers Across the Lifespan Project works in

partnership with the North Shore Caregiver Support Program.

Together we provide a wide variety of educational workshops,

caregiver support and resources for family and friends

supporting someone with an illness or disability.

You’re not alone.

We’re here to help.

Are you a family caregiver?

You are if you provide a family member or friend who is

chronically ill, elderly, palliative or living with a disability with

any of the following types of assistance:

● Personal Care: dressing, bathing, eating

● Household Work: house cleaning, shopping/errands,

preparing meals, yard work

● Coordination of Care: transportation, appointments,

arranging services, visiting

● Support: phone check-in, supervision, emotional

support

● Nursing Care: medication, changing dressings

For more information, contact Helen at 604-982-3313 or helen.wait@nscr.bc.ca.