WE CHALLENGE YOU ON JULY 14, 2018 · Lynda Gauger IMO Marvin . Watson Allen Squires IMO Pat ....

INSID

E Support Groups 4Services 5Education Calendar 6Debbie’s Corner 7Volunteer Spotlight 8

Meet The Board 8Crystal Rodriguez 9From Your Editor 10Lake & Sumter 11The Villages 12

Upcoming Events 14Bowling Challenge 15Family Support Walk 16Buddy System 17Summer Tips 19

File of Life 20Hurricane Preparedness 21Simply Delicious 22Loved One Poem 23

Spring 2018 Vol. 21, No. 2

ForDetailsSeePage 14.

• REGISTER • SPONSOR • DONATE • VOLUNTEER •

WE CHALLENGE YOU ON JULY 14, 2018WE CHALLENGE YOU ON JULY 14, 2018

http://www.seniorlivingguide.com/

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the sun is getting hot…this is Florida! We are so lucky that we haven’t been shoveling the snow our Northern friends have been shoveling! With Spring comes clocks being turned forward, newly planted flower beds blooming, and more outdoor activities.

Things here at the Alzheimer’s Family Organi-zation are busy as always. So much to do and so many more opportu-nities to help. We are truly lucky to be here to support you and your loved ones as you walk your journey together. It is our goal to offer to make that journey as smooth as possible, as best we can. Please always remember we are only a phone call or click of the mouse away!

Since the Winter 2018 issue of The Caregiver’s Companion we held our largest fundraiser, the annual “Alzheimer’s Family Support Walk” at the Polo field in The Villages. This day always reminds me of why we do what we do here at the AFO. We had over 800 people in atten-dance. Some were family members, some were loved ones affected by various forms of dementia, some were professional caregiver’s, some were young, and some were old. Some walked on their own, some walked with canes or walkers, by stroller, and some by piggyback, but all were there for the same reason, to bring awareness and show support for all those whose lives are touched by this disease.

I am so very grateful to Parady Financial for their commitment of sponsorship this year and again committing to be the co-name spon-sor again next year! Parady placed first for the largest team, then New Covenant United Methodist Church in second and The Day Break Club in third! Thank you for your continued support and undying efforts! Thank you to all our sponsors and to Cheryl Courtright and Shelly Calkins for being co-chairs and to all the committee members that pull this huge event off each year. Your efforts and support do not go un-noticed! Many of our sponsors have supported us year after year, and I know how important you are to our success. Thank you! And last, but not least, the office staff and the wonderful volunteers (and husbands/wives) that support this event. Thank you!

I am excited for the number of Caregiver Learning events we have scheduled for 2018 which are listed in this issue as well as a few ad-ditional fundraisers such as The Hernando Bowling Challenge, Citrus Walk Aware events and the AFO Charity Golf Tournament. All are in the deep planning stages and should be a great deal of fun.

In closing, as you meet the role of caregiver, whether that be a new role, a long-distance role, a shared role, a professional role, or a role you have been in for a long time, it may seem like a thankless role, but it is not. It is my hope that you will know, even though your loved one may not be able to tell you, that deep inside, they are very grateful to have you there to care for them. As you face the day to day frustrations of caregiving, know that the person you are caring for is facing those same frustrations right along with you. Try and revel in the good parts of the day and enjoy the positive. Each night, try and reflect on what went right “today” and find peace in knowing your role is not thankless. Your role is the most important role to your loved one. Take time to allow others to support you so you can take a little time for yourself without feeling guilty. You are doing great!

Respectfully, Kathleen

2 Alzheimer’s Family Organization - Companion

Executive Director Kathleen WintersBoard President Deborah SelsavageBoard Vice President Cheryl CourtrightBoard Treasurer VacantBoard Secretary Bernie FitzgeraldBoard Members Michael Benetto Katrina Butler Ron Francis Karen Mercer Glen Scharfeld

facebook.com/AFO.FL

Scan this QR code with your smartphone. It will take you towww.alzheimersfamily.org. Download a free QR code reader

from the ITunes App Store or Android Market to read the QR code.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mon. – Fri.Office: 461 Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill, FL 34609Telephone: 352-616-0170Fax: 352-616-0174 • E-Mail: [email protected] Site: www.alzheimersfamily.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/AFO.FLTwitter: @AlzFamilyOrg

Kathleen Simington Bill Tuttle

Administrative Associate Alicia Vegerano Media & Marketing Specialist Crystal Rodriguez

Your County EducatorsThe Villages Jackie Kuhn-Damron – 574-721-1177S. Sumter / S. Lake Pam Schmitz – 352-396-6927Pasco/Hillsborough/Pinellas Vacant

Vision StatementAll those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and their caregivers, will have a better quality of life.

Mission StatementTo provide educational programs, support services and assistance to caregivers, families and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

NewsletterEditor: Bill TuttleContributing Authors: Steve Davis, James FinneganAll material in this newsletter is offered as information to our readers. The Alzheimer’s Family Organization does not warrant, endorse, or recommend any provider, program, or product.Others interested in supporting this publication may call the Organization office at 352-616-0170.The “Companion” is published quarterly by The Alzheimer’s Family Organization located at 461 Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill, FL 34609. The Alzheimer’s Family Organization disclaims any liability for damages resulting from articles, opinions, advertising, or representations expressed or implied in this publication. Any comments or claims are made solely by the individual author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other Alzheimer’s Family Organization member or other persons, living or dead.

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization conforms to the Florida “Solicitations of Contributions Act” pertaining to charitable organizations:“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-HELP FLA) REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Twitter@AlzFamilyOrg

ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY ORGANIZATIONFAMILY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME

Non-Profit Community Based Organization Serving West Central FloridaCovering Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion,

Pasco, Pinellas, and Sumter Counties

WORDS FROM THE EXECUTIVEDIREC TOR

Kathleen M. Winters,Executive Director

https://www.facebook.com/AFO.FL/

We try to correctly spell all names. However, if we have not done so, please let us know and we will correctly spell it for our next issue. Also, if you do not want to have your name listed, please let us know when you make your contribution. We appreciate each and every one of you who have donated, contributed, or become members of our Organization. Where would we be without you? Thank you for believing in what we do, and for helping us fulfill our commitment to preserve the independence, quality of life and personal dignity of persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, and their caregivers throughout the Central Florida area.

DONATIONSBeacon WoodsElan Springs Magical

Christmas Bus TourHeart of DixieFedelis Beta Retired

TeachersRotary Club of Crystal RiverGrand Living for TheatreHINT (Health Industry

Networking Team)Kings Ridge Performers

ClubRenee CoffmanLynn MilesBarbara KunkleBrian FisherFRIEND MEMBERSHIPSPeggy and Roy SmithNorma WinslowBrunettiMEMBERSHIPSKearstin HarmonLinda BellRobert and Marjorie SolienJames SeacottCarol PollardFrank MarquesMay PerryPeter and Ann SammonRichard MoravecLaura ManciniMarth HyattDonald and Christine

WightmanJoan FuertesSusan SaundersJ ClarkKaren MercerWilliam SmithBarrie and Jillian HogarthGreg and Cynthia Perkins

D O N A T I O N S , C O N T R I B U T I O N S & M E M B E R S H I P S

Alzheimer’s Family Organization - Companion 3

VOLUNTEERSThank YouFamily SupportWalkPatrick WintersEd Vegerano Vinny CarrozzaHelen HagopianDonna WelshEnid Cristodero

Greg ChurchLarry MercerCourtney LazoJean LazoJennifer SokloskiBonnie ReidyTerry WelshDebra Vega

Generous Donations & Membershipsfrom December 22, 2017 to March 21, 2018

Ronald MilburnEllis and Dorothy RogersWalsh FamilyCatherine Hood

IN MEMORY OF DONATIONSLyn Jensen IMO Ross RathMarguerita Muller IMO

Anthony MullerFrank Marques IMO April

MarquesDavid Rodgers IMO

Barbara PappasPaul and Alison Wedeking

IMO Clara WedekingDay Break Club IMO

Christine HealeyJessica Wine IMO Janna

DeMartaIra and Judith Parent IMO

Janna DeMartaJanice and David Warren

IMO Janna DeMartaHarry and Kari Miller IMO

Bill MuhleckLyn Jensen IMO Harry

BolandLyn Jensen IMO Richard

“Dick” PenceRobert Medd IMO Janna

DeMartaMary Gregory IMO Janna

DeMartaValerie Reynolds IMO

Janna DeMartaJohn and Sharon

Gutschenritter IMO Richard Pence

Joann and Gordon Verhaeghe IMO Richard Pence

Lyn Jensen IMO Don HallisyLyn Jensen IMO Edward

“Tom” McAfeeLinda Pence IMO Richard

PenceThomas Edelen IMO Tom

McAfeeMichele Duffy IMO Charles

DuffyKathleen and Patrick

Winters IMO Suzanne Ricci

Gregory and Deborah Packard IMO Suzanne Ricci

Jane Stewart IMO Phyllis Birney

The Orr Family IMO Don Hallisy

Buds n Blossum IMO Dick Pence

Laura Grigull IMO L PoffDale and Norita Stiles IMO

Our MothersBrook Walters IMO Bette

and Daniel WaltersJim Berryman IMO Pat

Heckel Ruth Swart IMO Dennis

Swart Lynda Gauger IMO

Marvin Watson Crethe Gerachty IMO

James Gerachty Marie Lazinkski IMO Marie

Buttner Edward Huss IMO Sharon

Huss Rick & Helena Schnetzer

IMO Shirley Schnetzer Mabel Pillion IMO Leroy

Chandler Dan Southworth IMO

Joseph Cooper Tonya Olsen IMO Gene

Daudelin Cynthia Warner IMO Gerri

WarnerDeb Martinez IMO Barbara

VerbosPatricia and Howard

Mortimer IMO Raymond Mortimer

Jackie Wasserman IMO Ruth Wasserman

IMO Hazel GarvinJohn Godin IMO Tom

McAfeeKen and Joyce Wright IMO

Pat HeckelMarta McKenzie IMO Pat

HeckelLynda Gauger IMO Marvin

WatsonAllen Squires IMO Pat

HeckelJim Berryman IMO Pat

HeckelJack Sprayer IMO Pat

HeckelNancy Sefler IMO Edward

“Tom” McAfeeAugie and Carol Fietkau

IMO Pat HeckelJoyce Fisher IMO Pat

HeckelTom Grace IMO Pat HeckelTom Edelen IMO Tom

McAfeeLinda Lillie IMO Tom McAfeeJohn McGrath IMO Grace

McGrathDon and Peggy Dati IMO

Joanne DatiRon & Dot Kempf IMO The

Nolan FamilySkip and Eva Gudeth IMO

Grammy Gudeth

Skip and Eva Gudeth IMO Grandpa Wurth

Skip and Eva Gudeth IMO Grandma Wurth

Beth Disque IMO Lillian Mitchell

Jim Thompson IMO Esther Thompson

Ron and Connie Kaissling IMO Lou Moody

Annie Caputo IMO MotherRuth Swart IMO Dennis

SwartJoe Mastoccilo IMO

Edward “Tom” McAfeeShirley Rullman IMO

Clayton RullmanAnonymous IHO Gene

DaudelinChandler and Patricia

Blewett IMO Pat HeckelMichael Ricci IMO His

MotherMichael Pipenburg IMO

Tom McAfeeThe Villages Clown Alley

179 Inc IMO Archie ErnstFox Run Social Club IMO

Thomas JayDeborah Fahy IMO

Genevieve DiffeeJackie Glass IMO Suzanne

RicciJoel Ricci IMO Suzanne

RicciEnid & Jill Toroker Benado IMO Doris Toroker

IN HONOR OF DONATIONSThe Day Break Club IHO

Those Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease

Louise ShueyCarl ShueyDeb SelsavageCheryl CourtrightShelly CalkinsBecky AllenTyler BorowskiRick WigginsStan Golove

John LazoCindy WarnerKaren MercerCharlie HeckelJanet ArgenzioBeth KondolezaDiane GolebRochelle Holcomb

Fashion ShowSylvia MencikGeorgette Katra-BaetenSandra OlivaresKim WashingtonBowling ChallengeKatrina ButlerBill TuttleJames McKittrickBobbie Stoots

Citrus WalkDebbie SelsavageEd YoungbloodOfficeTony CasellaDebbie CasellaSherri Haun

LAKEAvante at Leesburg Nursing & Rehab Center(Free Respite Care During Meeting – RSVP to Dori)2000 Edgewood Ave., Leesburg, FL 347483rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PMLeader: Doreen Watson-Beard 352-217-6476Bridgewater at Waterman Village(Free Respite Care During Meeting)500 Waterman Ave., Mt. Dora, FL 32757 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PMCo-leaders: Chaplain Alan Jones 352-385-1133 Coleen Connolly 352-383-0051 x 313Brookdale Clermont650 E. Minnehaha Ave, Clermont, FL 347111st Wednesday of the month at 4:00 PMLeader: Pam Schmitz 352-396-6927Chapel of Christian Faith1401 Paradise Drive, Lady Lake, FL 321593rd Thursday of the month at 10:00 AMLeader: Martha Hyatt 352-748-7633Clermont Arts & Recreation Center 3700 S Hwy 27, Room 7, Clermont, FL 347111st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:00 PM Co-leaders: Deb Smith 352-449-9449 Holli Wilbur 352-286-5924Cooper Memorial LibraryRoom 221 (upstairs)2525 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont, FL 347113rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Deborah Snow 352-406-8465The Cove at Tavares Village1501 Sunshine Parkway, Tavares, FL 327782nd Monday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Amy Lesner 352-250-2602Crane’s View Lodge ALF & Memory 1601 Hooks Street, Clermont, FL 34711Last Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PM Co-leaders: Heather Carelli 352-901-0239 Selly Castillo 352-801-1545Elan Senior Living at Spanish Springs930 Alverez Avenue, The Villages, FL 321592nd Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Cathy Jackshaw 352-300-1089The Fellowship25900 US Hwy. 27, Leesburg, FL 347481st Monday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Pamela Schmitz 352-396-6927Lake Port Square/A Brookdale Community800 Lake Port Blvd., Leesburg, FL 347484th Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Allison Church 352-728-8525, Ext. 1232Lakeview Terrace331 Raintree Drive, Altoona, FL 327022nd Thursday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Cheryl Fletcher 352-409-5360North Lake Presbyterian Church975 Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake, FL 321591st Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PMLeader: Louise Shuey 352-753-82623rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PMCo-leaders: Louise Shuey 352-753-8262 Don Dati 352-259-5363

CITRUSCornerstone Baptist Church1100 W. Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Debbie Selsavage 352-422-3663Crystal Gem Manor ALF - You Must RSVP10845 W. Gem St., Crystal River, FL 34428Last Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Debbie Selsavage 352-422-3663Crystal River Library8619 Crystal St., Crystal River, FL 344282nd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Debbie Selsavage 352-422-3663Highland Place - You Must RSVP700 Medical Ct. E., Inverness, FL 344524th Thursday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Debbie Selsavage 352-422-3663Seven Rivers Regional Medical CenterSenior Circle Center6201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34428Last Wednesday of the month 10:00 AM to 12:00 NoonLeader: Sue Simone 203-725-6888

HERNANDOAtria Evergreen Woods - Pool House7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill 346082nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 PMCo-leaders: Lori Rocchi 352-397-1212 Mellaney Lesniewski 352-596-2055Bayfront Health BrooksvilleMedical Arts Bldg. – Ste. 12017222 Hospital Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each monthCo-leaders: Bill Tuttle 813-712-9058 Donna Alford 813-469-5024Brookdale Spring Hill10440 Palmgren Lane, Spring Hill, FL 34608Tuesday’s from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AMLeader: Susan Myers 352-584-8591The Residence at Timber Pines3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill, FL 346063rd Monday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Bill Tuttle 352-835-7191Timber Pines Country Club – Oak Room(Gated Community – must register with Sue to attend)6872 Timber Pines Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 346062nd Thursday of the month at 10:00 AMLeader: Sue Simone 203-725-6888

HILLSBOROUGHArden Courts of Tampa14950 Casey Rd., Tampa, FL 33624FTD Support Group2nd Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM to NoonLeader: Maryann Upham 813-963-6100Caregiver Support Group for Spouses3rd Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PMLeader: Teresa Jackson 813-963-6100Brookdale Northdale3401 W. Bearss Avenue, Tampa2nd Monday of each month at 10:00 AM4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PMLeader: India Shilo 813-961-1044

Early Stage Group (for early stage patients)North Lake Presbyterian ChurchFellowship Center Room 2975 Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake, FL 321591st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PMLeader: Louise Shuey 352-753-8262

Osprey Lodge Assisted Living& Memory Care1761 Nightingale Lane, Tavares, FL 327781st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PMLeader: Ruth Cantillon 352-253-5100Regency Park Assisted Living andMemory Care(Free Respite Care During Meeting)15000 U.S. Hwy. 441, Eustis, FL 327262nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Rick Wiggins 352-661-9003

PASCO - CENTRALFlorida Hospital Wesley ChapelWellness Center - Classroom 4B2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.Wesley Chapel, FL 335441st Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AMCo-leaders: Michele Bonneville 813-991-7524 Lynelle Bonneville Cathy Bickham 813-618-0578

PASCO - EASTBaldomero-Lopez State VeteransNursing Home6919 Parkway Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639Last Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AMLeader: Jennifer Chianella 813-558-5000CARES Crescent Enrichment Center13906 5th St., Dade City, FL 33525Day of week and time TBD-Please call Melinda Norman for more informationLeader: Melinda Norman 352-518-9300Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care2061 Collier Parkway Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639Call Jennifer for day and time.Leader: Jennifer Chianella 813-558-5000Heritage Park37135 Coleman Avenue, Dade City, FL 335254th Tuesday of the month at 4:00 PMCo-leaders: Nila Premer 352-567-8615 Mary Beth LumbraRegency Residence6711 Embassy Blvd, Port Richey, FL 34668Last Tuesday of the month at 2:30 PMLeader: Jennifer Chianella 727-240-2907Zephyr Haven Health & Rehab Center38250 Avenue A, Zephyrhills, FL 33542Call 813-782-5508 for support group information.Zephyrhills Health & Rehab Center7350 Dairy Rd, Zephyrhills, FL 33540Call 813-782-5508 for support group information.

People touched by Alzheimer’s diseaseand other related disorders come together in a non-judgmental,

safe environment to vent their frustrations, share coping techniques, learn more about the disease and discover what resources are available to them.

AFO SUPPORT GROUPS


Support Groups Continuedon bottom of page 58

For more information please call 352-616-0170

Support Groups continued from page 4

A F O S E R V I C E S


PASCO - WESTAtria Park of Baypoint Village7927 SR 52, Hudson, FL 346673rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PMCo-leaders: Lori Rocchi 352-397-1212 Rhonda TravlandThe Cottages5905 Pine Hill Road, Port Richey, FL 346681st Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PMLeader: Vicky Hudgins 727-364-4214Crane’s View Lodge ALF & Memory1601 Hooks Street, Clermont, FL 34711Last Tuesday of the month at 1:30 PMCo-leaders: Heather Carelli 352-901-0239 Selly Castillo 352-801-1545First Baptist Church New Port Richey6800 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, FL 346532nd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PMLeader: Lois Petermann 727-849-4210Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care2061 Collier Parkway Land O’ Lakes, FLLeader: Jennifer Chianella cell 727-992-8984

[email protected]

Oakview Terrace Assisted Living7220 Baillie Dr., New Port Richey, FL 346533rd Thursday of the month at 11:00 AMLeader: Dina Giannet 727-204-0083Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point14000 Fivay Rd., Hudson, FL 346671st Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AMLeader: Laura Arnold 727-863-0176 727-808-2053Villas at Sunset Bay7423 Kauai Loop, New Port Richey, FL 346531st Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PMand Last Wednesday at 6:00 PMCo-leaders: Laurie Pearce 727-359-0637 Rob Brady 727-376-6814The Watermark at Trinity 1960 Blue Fox Way., Trinity, FL 346551st Tuesday of the month at 10:30 AM

727-777-5063

PINELLASGrand Villa Senior Living Community(Free Respite Care During Meeting - Call to RSVP)880 Patricia Avenue, Dunedin, FL 346982nd Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AMCo-leaders: Susan Kinder-Jones 727-734-4696 Jill Turner 727-734-4696

SUMTERBrookdale Place at Freedom PointeRSVP to 352-674-3950 - Light Lunch is served1700 El Camino Real, The Villages, FL 321592nd & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PMLeader: Zullie Oliveras 352-674-3950Mission Oaks10780 N US Hwy 301, Oxford, FL 344842nd Monday of the month at 2:00 PMLeader: Cheryl Fletcher 352-409-5360Sumter Place in the Villages(Free Respite Care During Meeting)1550 Killingsworth Way, The Villages, FL 321623rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PMLeader: Sheila Dickmann 352-674-3500New Covenant United Methodist Church(Free Respite Care During Meeting)3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162Every Thursday of the month at 10:00 AMCo-leaders: Louise Shuey 352-753-8262 Rochelle Holcombe 352-259-1243 Leslie Switzer 352-274-3673

For Caregivers Who Have PlacedTheir Loved OnesNew Covenant United Methodist ChurchRoom 1 (Free Respite Care During Meeting)3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162First Thursday of the month at 10:00 AMCo-leaders: Jackie Kuhn-Damron 352-259-1243 Nancy McGee 352-245-3930

Respite Care FinancialReimbursement Program This program provides financial assistance

reimbursement to qualified members for respite of their loved ones. The caregiver ar-ranges for their own respite care needs using either in-home services provided through a home health agency, neighbor, friend, or institutionally-based, short-term respite such as adult day care, ALF, or nursing home care. Applications and documentation are required for reimbursement of funds.

Wanderer’s Reunification Program The objective or goal of the Wanderer’s

Reunification Program is to identify and reunite a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia with their caregiver as quickly and as safely as possible, thus reducing the time of separation and trauma to the loved one. There are two options offered under this program;

1.) An Identification Bracelet or Pendant 2.) A Human Scent Kit Contact our office

for more information.Support Groups AFO support groups are for family members,

caregivers, and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and coping skills. The meetings are free and everyone is welcome. For more information and to verify meeting dates and times, please contact our office.

Companion Newsletter Published quarterly, the “Companion” con-

tains articles covering topics such as caregiv-

ing techniques, coping skills, and resources such as support group meeting times, the AFO educational calendar, and upcoming events.

Training / Seminars Training is provided for caregivers and profes-

sional care providers to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ALF, Nursing Home, and Home Health Agency Dementia Specific Trainings are available to professionals and approved by FPECA and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Alzheimer’s Resources andRelated Books Helpful books in our library are available for

viewing at the AFO office or may be loaned out. The ‘36 Hour Day’ is also available for $15.00 plus shipping.

Website The AFO website is a one-stop resource - easy to

use and full of helpful hints such as up-to-date community information, links, and educational videos.

Resource Guide Our resource guide offers a variety of services by

county, that support caregivers with the many issues that may arise while caring for their loved one. Services such as, but not limited to; Elder Law, Assisted Living Facilities, and Home Health Agencies.

Resource Line Calling the office during regular business hours

(M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm) provides information on caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

Speakers Bureau Alzheimer’s Family Organization members are

available to speak to community groups, clubs, and organizations about Alzheimer’s disease.

Pardon My Companion Card These cards enable caregivers to provide in-

formation about Alzheimer’s disease and an explanation concerning any unusual behavior by the Alzheimer’s patient while in public.

Do Not Resuscitate Order Forms A properly executed DNRO stating the patient is

terminal must be signed by the patient’s physi-cian. Emergency Medical Services are directed to honor a DNRO and provide the patient with comfort care only. The form must be with the patient and is available at the AFO office.

Emergency Evacuation Registration This service guides the caregiver through the

registration process in their local county for individuals with special needs for safe evacua-tion prior to emergency situations.

Emergency Placement Directives This service allows caregivers the opportunity

to ensure that, in the event of a caregiver emer-gency, the dementia patient will be cared for. All pre-arrangements are made by the caregiver with help from our resource lists.

Lake - April 20 First United Methodist Church-Wesley Center, 950 7th Street, Clermont, FL 34711West Pasco – May 18 Villas at Sunset Bay, 7423 Kauai Loop, New Port Richey, FL 34653East Pasco – June 15 American House 38130 Pretty Pond Road, Zephyrhills, FL 33540 The Virtual Dementia Tour will available!Citrus - July 20 Citrus Memorial Hospital (Historic School House Building) 502 West Highland Boulevard, Inverness, FL 34452 The Virtual Dementia Tour will available!Hernando – August 10 The Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Rd., Spring Hill, FL 34606 The Virtual Dementia Tour will available!Pinellas - September 14 Market Street: A Memory Care Residence, 833 East Lake Road N., Tarpon Springs, FL 34688Lake – October 12 Waterman Village Retirement Community, 255 Waterman Ave., Mount Dora, FL 32757


Caregiver LearningLearn helpful information about Alzheimer’s and dementia at our FREE Caregiver Learning Events!

These events last from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm unless otherwise noted and include FREE Breakfast and Lunch! To register, visit www.AlzheimersFamily.org/Caregiver or call the AFO office at 352-616-0170.

Senior Helpers Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour will be featured at some events.See below for more information!

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization does not endorse the services of any informational speakers. Presentations are for educational purposes only.

VENDOR SPACE IS AVAILABLEYOU MUST REGISTER FOR ALL EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Call 352-616-0170 | Go to www.alzheimersfamily.org

The Virtual Dementia Tour The VDT is a science-based simulation of what a person in mid-stage dementia experiences. the opportunity to. It can help caregivers better understand what patients and loved ones with dementia are hearing, seeing and feeling. If you have not had the chance to experience the tour – please see our schedule above for Caregiver dates that feature the VDT.

Support Group Leader TrainingFor New/Present Support Group Leaders • Free to the Public

CALL OFFICE FOR LOCATION AND DATES

AFO EDUCATION 2018

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Training

State Required Dementia-Specific TrainingAlzheimer’s Family Organization’s (AFO) Dementia-Specific curriculum has been approved by the Florida Policy

Exchange Center On Aging (FPECA) for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs for purposes of meeting the training requirement of S.400.452, F.S. and Rule 58A-5.0191, F.A.C.

Our trainers…• Are committed to serving caregivers and patients.• Relate to the needs of your staff.• Their knowledge is based on the latest research and data.• Are part of a community based local organization – a resource that continues after the training is completed.


DEBBIE’S CO R NER Debbie SelsavageCEO, Coping with Dementia, LLC and

President of the AFO Board of Directors

I talk a lot about journaling in my workshops for caregivers, which has proven a beneficial tool that all caregivers should have in their tool box on this journey. As a caregiver, you must make many adjustments in your life, and this can be very stressful. You may have to deal with changes in sleep patterns, changes in nu-trition, and changes in hydration or even medication. This alone can cause you to not think clearly, and at times you may even wonder if you are the one with Alzheimer’s!

At these times, you need grounding; you need per-spective, and this is why it is important to journal, to keep a record of your day. You do not have to dedi-cate a large amount of time to journaling each day, and it does not have to be a literary masterpiece. Nor do you need a fancy diary. Just keep notes, use your computer, or even a hand voice recorder. Just know where this documentation is stored, so you can return to it when you need it.

Let’s talk about some of the reasons journaling is beneficial:/ Journaling is therapeutic. It can be emotionally healing

to see just how you are doing or to have notes about the things you may need to work on.

/ It can reduce your stress as you reflect on the day’s events. Get it out and get it down so you don’t roll it around in your head all night long.

/ It can help you identify what are the good times and the bad times of the day, which can help you adjust accordingly for activities and outings.

/ It can help you tell the story to your physician and help him or her determine the right times to prescribe medica-tions. How often do we go into the doctor’s office and forget many of those important things we wanted to say?

/ It can be a reflection that you made it through an-other day, providing you with relief and self-esteem.

/ It can enable you to look back to better understand those moments when you were not thinking clearly due to stress and confusion.

/ It will help you identify patterns: changes in sleep-ing, eating, bathroom habits, and other behaviors.

Your task will become more manageable when you can place it in the context of a 24-hour day. And it may even help you identify the tasks that you are not good at. The first step to asking for and accepting help is realizing when you need it! And when your journal helps you identify something that did not work, you can let it go, move forward, and attempt to do it differ-ently tomorrow. Happily, the opposite is true as well. Your journal will also show you just how really good you are with the task you have been given.

Caregiver stress is not a joke. It is something to take very seriously. Don’t look at journaling as just one more thing you have to do during your busy and stressful day. Believe me: five minutes of journaling can help you find ways to save hours. Just try it. I believe you will find it can make care giving more efficient and less stressful.

Journaling Can Provide Many Benefits To A Caregiver

JAMES R. BOONE, PH.D.DIPLOMATE IN CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

AMERICAN BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGYFLORIDA PSYCHOLOGY LICENSE #PY04361

TEL (727) 944-4600FAX (727) 945-9800

CYPRESS TURN CENTER2625 KEYSTONE ROAD

SUITE A-3TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA 34688

https://www.barbaraaepstein.com/http://www.seniorlivingguide.com/


A FO INFOR MATIO N

Tony was born to Anthony and Stacia Casella, and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He is the youngest of two children, with Dolores being four years his senior. He has five children; Mark, Kathy, and Beth who all live in Hernando County, Brian in Atlanta, GA and Kim in Chicago, IL. He has ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He has been married to his wife, Debbie Fitch-Casella since 2008.

After graduating high school, Tony held jobs in the au-tobody repair business until opening his own shop, Casella Auto Body in 1965. In addition to repairing automobiles, Tony became very interested in snowmobiles and dirt bikes. For many years he raced cars at Lebanon Speedway in Lebanon, New York, and snowmobiles in many races in Western Massachusetts, Vermont, and in New York State. He continued racing cars after moving to Florida at tracks in Ocala, Citrus County Speedway, and Sunshine Speedway. Up until 2012 Tony was still riding his ATV in the woods at Croom State Forest.

Tony moved to Spring Hill, Florida in 1982 and has lived in that area since. Since living in Florida, Tony was co-owner of Interior Decors by Terry. After closing the furniture store, Tony began working in management overseeing the autobody shop at Sun Toyota and Register Chevrolet. He retired in 2007 and soon realized retirement wasn’t for him. At the age of 70, he returned to the workforce working for Hernando Door and Window until 2016. In addition to working there, he also had his own handy-man service.

Tony has been a volunteer at Alzheimer’s Family Organi-zation since the move from New Port Richey to Spring Hill in June of 2016. Tony works diligently on our bulk mailers, newsletter distribution mailers, handy-man work in the of-fice and any other items needed at the office. Often you can find him sitting in the Board room folding, tabbing, labeling, sorting, and organizing various mailers. Tony is a committed volunteer at the office of the AFO, making himself available whenever he is needed. He supports AFO events such as the “I’ll Be Me” showing in Inverness as part of the Citrus Walk Aware event held in October.

Tony’s commitment to the Alzheimer’s Family Organiza-tion is greatly appreciated as a volunteer that can be counted on any time. He brings a smile and a great sense of humor to the office, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere! We thank Tony for his dedication to the AFO and appreciate all of his hard work to ensure the AFO is successful! He is a pretty great guy…I know…because he is also my Dad. THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

By Kathleen Winters

Meet The Board –A Series:By Kathleen Winters

Bill was born in Alexandria, Vir-ginia and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Bill was a very active athlete, competing in several sports, but excelling particularly in baseball. He is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Bill began his career in the Richmond area working for AT&T in their local office with Chesapeake Potomac Phone Company for many years and then moved to Florida in 1982 with the corporate office, retiring from that company after 23 years.

Bill originally lived in the Tampa Bay area when he first moved to Florida. Finding retirement wasn’t for him, he relocated to Islamorada, Fl in the Keys. There he operated The Free Press News for some time. He also opened AT&T wireless stores in seven Florida locations. During his time in the Keys, Bill was named Rotarian of The Year in part due to a very successful Chili Cookoff fundraiser to benefit the local schools. Bill eventually sold his wireless stores and moved back to the Tampa Bay area.

Bill began his career in the home health industry in 2011 first with Comfort Keepers and has been with Senior Helpers in Hernando, Citrus and East Pasco since 2014. In his role as Client Service Manager has made countless partnerships with many facilities in the service area. Bill is known to most people in the Tampa Bay area through his work and hobbies.

Bill has been married to his lovely bride Debbie for seventeen years. He has one son and one daughter. His son has four children, ranging in ages 3years to 20 years in age. Bill and Debbie live in Land O Lakes.

Bill joined the Alzheimer’s Family Organization Board of Directors in July of 2017. Since joining us, he has been a very active participant on the Board. He ensures the Virtual Dementia Tour is available for our events in the service area of Senior Helper’s. Bill has also jumped in with positive feedback on changes we could make to become more successful. He has become the Editor of The Caregiver’s Companion, serves on the Marketing Sub-committee and is co-chair for a new fundraiser planned for July, The Hernando Bowling Challenge. Bill brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to his role on the Board. We are grateful to have him.

Bill Tuttle Tony Casella


A FO INFOR MATIO N

Welcome To Media and Marketing Specialist Crystal Rodriguez!Remember a couple issues back we introduced Ke-

arstin Harmon? Well Kearstin and her now fiancé Ted have moved to Texas. Before departing Kearstin gave us a great recommendation for her best friend and old co-worker. Welcome Crystal Rodriguez our new Media and Marketing Specialist. Crystal worked for Print Shack, a local apparel printing company in Hernando County where she met Kearstin! We are very lucky to have found someone that shares the same graphic style and brain as Kearstin! Don’t worry though, because Kearstin still gives Crystal her input and great ideas and their two brains work like a well-oiled machine!!!

Crystal has worked for the AFO for just 3 short months, but she feels like she has been here much longer. She says the AFO is like being at home with her family! Crystal is the eldest child of her parents, her sister being 3 years younger. She was born in Los Angeles California, her parents moved to West Palm Beach, Florida when she was 7 and they have been in Florida ever since. She graduated from Forest Hill High and is a Full Sail University graduate with a Bachelors in Graphic Design. Crystal is very proud to say her sister, her closet cousin and herself are the only children in the family who have chosen to go onto higher educa-tion and complete a degree.

Crystal realized her love for design when she met her husband Vinny in 2009. She taught herself many

of the Adobe programs, and he helped convince her to take it a step further and go to school. She hasn’t looked back since. “Design is not just my career, it’s my passion! Everything you see around you has to do with some sort of graphic designing or art. Some people say without music there is no life, without art our world would be boring!” Crystal and her husband share a love for horror mov-ies and Halloween, getting married on Halloween in matching banana costumes!

Alongside her mother and father in law, Crystal and her husband Vinny assisted caring for his grandmother Maria who had Alzheimer’s, sadly she lost the battle in 2016. With round the clock care, they all took turns do-ing the best they could in caring for her. Crystal has a small understanding on what a big impact this disease can have on caregivers, families, and friends. “Attend-ing just two caregiver learning days, I have learned so much and seen so many things we did wrong with caring for my husband’s grandmother. I wish we could have a second try with caring for her with everything I have learned now.”

ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CAREWhere older adults enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, convenience and connection!

930 CR 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159352-259-8185

AL#11908 • Assisted Living Facility #4832

This workshop will provide you with a betterunderstanding of what your loved one is dealing with.The more you know, the better caregiver you will be.

Of Dementia

I’m Debbie Selsavage, contact me at [email protected] or call 352-422-3663to find out if there is a workshop scheduled in your area, or to find out how you can schedule an ABC of Dementia workshop at your club, organization or church. It’s FREE! Visit our website at www.coping today

http://coping.today/https://www.atriaseniorliving.com/retirement-communities/atria-lady-lake-lady-lake-fl/http://www.seniorlivingguide.com/

EVERY 13 SECONDS, an older Adult is treated in an emergency room for a FALL RELATED Injury.

25% of those falls result in death, HAVE I CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION?

We can reduce falls greatly by doing some simple changes to our daily activities. SLOW down and take your time, nothing is to important that we need to rush.

Balance is vital to normal everyday life activities such as getting out of a chair and walking, bending over to put your shoes on, washing your hair, driving a car or going grocery shopping. Just about everything you do in your daily life, whether for work or leisure requires balance control, and most of the time you don’t have to think about it. If balance problems develop, though, they can cause profound disruptions in your daily life. In addition to increased risk for falls, balance disorders can shorten your attention span, disrupt normal sleep patterns, and/or cause excessive fatigue.The Balance Control Process

Ability to maintain balance is a complex process that depends on three major components: (1) your sensory systems for accurate information about your body’s position relative to your environment; (2) your brain’s ability to process this information; and (3) your muscles and joints for coordinating the movements required to maintain balance. The sensory systems include your sense of touch (feet, ankles, joints), your vision and your inner ear motion sensors. For example, we rely on our feet and joints to tell us if the surface we are standing on is uneven or moving. We rely on our eyes to tell us if the environment around us is moving or still. And we rely on our inner ears to tell us if we are upright or leaning or standing still or moving.

Balance control is accomplished “automatically” without requiring our conscious attention. When our balance “auto pilot” is disrupted, we have to exert in-

tense conscious effort to try to overcome the abnormal sensa-tions and maintain control of our balance. This intense effort, in turn, is what leads to the common secondary symptoms such as shortened attention span and fatigue.Loss Of Balance Control

In a normal healthy individual our senses of touch (feet, ankles, joints), sight (eyes) and inner ear motion sensors work together in harmony with the brain. A person with a balance disorder, however, may have a problem in any one of these systems, or in multiple systems. In some individuals, one or more of the senses are missing and the person does not realize they are losing their balance. In other people, the brain gets confused and creates an inaccurate sense of falling when in fact the person is in balance. The risk of de-veloping one or more of these problems increases with age as our senses or brain centers are exposed to degenerative or infectious diseases, or the effects of injuries accumulated over a lifetime.Inevitable?

Is a loss of balance control an inevitable consequence of aging? No. The natural aging process produces changes in our bodies as we grow older, but these changes do not necessarily result in a loss of balance control or mobility. Healthy seniors are quite able to perform daily life activities normally with few physi-cal limitations. In fact, recent studies have indicated that, elderly fallers are different from their healthy, age-matched counterparts. Dizziness among older adults can also be caused by a collection of subtle degenerative or infectious processes or injuries that in combination result in a balance problem.

Some individuals experiencing balance problems have an obvious medical diagnosis such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Dementia disease, or even a stroke that are primary sources of the problem. In other individuals with balance difficulties, the cause can even be subtle undetected forms of these diseases. However, diseases are not the only reason our senses and movements may be compromised. A history of injuries, such as concussions, ear infections, or serious sprains or fractures, may contribute to a loss of balance control over time. In addition, various combinations of medications, both prescription and over the counter, can be detrimental to our senses or brain and cause either temporary or permanent damage.

From Your Editor: SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUTBy Bill Tuttle, Client Service Manager Senior Helpers


A FO INFOR MATIO N

https://www.seniorhelpers.com/naturecoast-fl/

Community Educator’s Report:Lake and Sumter Counties

By Pam Schmitz

We are now three months into the new year, how many of you are keeping your New Year’s Resolutions? I hope you are keeping the resolution to attend a sup-port group at least once a month or as often as you feel necessary. Remember, we have multiple support groups, offered on multiple days, multiple times and multiple locations throughout Lake and Sumter Coun-ties. I’m excited to announce we have a new support group starting in Tavares. The new support group will be held at The Cove at Tavares Village, 1501 Sunshine Parkway, Tavares. They will meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:30PM. Their first meeting will be on Monday, April 16th. You can contact Amy Lesner for additional information – Amy can be reached at 352-250-2602. Be sure to review our list of Support Group Meetings in our Caregiver’s Companion on pages 4 and 5.

Our biggest event this past quarter was our AFO Support Walk held at the Polo Field in The Villages. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, the best weather we’ve had in years, and a wonderful turnout of walkers. I want to thank all our sponsors and participants – we had a great time and thank you all for your support of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

Health Fair season is winding down, I hope you had the opportunity to attend one in your area. There will still be a few scattered throughout the counties – if you see one in your area please attend – they are a wealth of information.

Mark your calendar – Friday, April 20, 2018…..Our next big event will be in South Lake, specifically Cler-mont. Our CAREGIVERS DAY-LEARNING EVENT will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the First United Meth-odist Church-Wesley Center, 950 7th Street, Clermont. The event is from 10:00AM to 2:00PM, a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Our speakers will be Dr. Ira Goodman, a Board Certified Neurologist with The Compass Clinic, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia and memory loss. Dr. Goodman has been recognized as one of the top neurologists in Central Florida for 18 consecutive years by his peers. We will also have Stephen D. Dunegan, Esq. and Thomas E Hynes, Esq. with the Law Office of Stephen D. Dunegan, Board Certified in Tax Law and Wills, Trusts & Estates, discussing the legal documen-tation which should be in place. They will also cover

VA Aide and Attendance and Medicaid Planning. There will be a Q & A period after each presentation. This will be your opportunity to ask questions of the experts. Please plan on attending! The Caregiver Learning Event is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP. We need an attendance count for the food preparation. Please register for this event by call-ing our AFO office at 352-616-0170 or you may register online by visiting www.AlzheimersFamily.org/Caregiver. Hope to see you in Clermont on April 20th.

Please remember if your church, club or organization is looking for a speaker please contact me at [email protected]. Part of our mission is to provide educational programs….we look forward to getting out into the communities and sharing information about the Alzheimer’s Family Organization and Alzheimer’s/Dementia.

A FO INFOR MATIO N

● Medicare Advantage Plans

(HMO, PPO, SNP)

● Medicare Supplement Plans

● Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

● Long Term Care Planning

● Final Expense

● CD Alternatives

We are independent brokers dedicated to

finding the plan that best fits YOUR needs.

Connecting You to the Right Plan:

Call Timothy Hill: 352-650-2608


A FO INFOR MATIO N

Community Educator’s Report: The VillagesBy Jackie Kuhn-Damron

Remember the old saying “Time fly’s when you’re hav-ing fun!” I do not know where these past three months have gone, but I do know that it has been fun. What a busy time we have had. I don’t know about you, but I am happy to put the wintry weather behind us and begin to enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers starting to bloom.

We have seen much joy and sadness as several of our family members have put their loved ones in the hands of our Lord. Joy in the sense that their journey is now complete, and we have many great memories to fill our thoughts and heart. Sadness in knowing the suf-fering they endured and that they will not know the joy that they brought into our lives and home. Many of you remember our Volunteer Spotlight from last edition was Lucille Jesaitis. She went home to be with the Lord and what a celebration of life was given in her honor by the many lives she touched.

The Villages area has been blessed with the many fund raisers and donations this past quarter. A big thank you to “Heart of Dixie” for the generous donation as they said goodbye to their club. Our Family Support Walk was an enormous success. We have so many to thank for the success of this big event. Many volun-teers, participants, community businesses, those who donated their time and gifts. This event says a lot to the community that our battle with Alzheimer’s is not over and it is touching the lives of those we love. Thank you to “Key to Senior Options” for our successful first “Spring Bling Fling”. Hoping this can become an annual event. Also, thank you to Brookdale for their several fund raisers that helped make the walk a success.

Our Caregiver Day was awesome! A big thank you to

our speakers, Deb Selsavage (Coping with Dementia) and Rich Behers (Cornerstone Hospice) for their words of encouragement and shar-ing their knowledge for our caregivers.

Looking ahead we will be celebrating “Volunteer Appreciation Day” on April 27th. More details to come.

If you have a need to have someone speak at your club, organization or group and learn more about Alzheimer’s Family Organization and Alzheimer’s/Dementia, please contact me as it would be a privi-lege to serve you.

A Servant’s Heart, Jackie


Main Office (Open All Year)6640 Ridge Road • Port Richey, FL 34668 • 727-849-6562 • Fax 925-666-2987

21531 Village Lakes Shopping Center • Land O’ Lakes • 813-996-79408717 SR 52, Hudson - 727-861-1107 • Tarpon Springs Walmart - 727-597-2548

Port Richey Walmart - 727-597-2597 • Palm Harbor Walmart - 727-597-0756New Pt Richey Walmart - 727-597-0676 • 24 Hr Refund Hotline - 866-473-1040

John R. Jamison, EA

https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/Tax-Preparation-Services-Locations/FL/Port-Richey/11690/


https://www.atriaseniorliving.com/clusters/central-florida/

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S S A V E T H E D AT E

For more information on upcoming events or to purchase event tickets: www.alzheimersfamily.org

For Educational Events, see page 6.


“ALLEY CAT” By: Crystal Rodriguez

GOLF TOURNAMENTGOLF TOURNAMENTCHARITY CHARITY Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 8:00 AM

9:30 AM

www.AlzheimersFamily.org/Bowling

www.AlzheimersFamily.org/GolfTournament

● ● ● ●PLAY SPONSOR DONATE VOLUNTEER

th Oct. 20 2018

Nov. 10th 2018

th July 14 20181:00 PMStrike City

3544 Mariner Blvd

Spring Hill, FL 34609

Historic Downtown Floral City

8394 E. Orange Ave.

Floral City, FL 34436

Crescent Oaks Golf Club3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd.

Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

www.AlzheimersFamily.org/WalkAware

HERNANDO

CHALLENGEb wl ngb wl ng

● REGISTER

SPONSOR ●

● DONATE

● VOLUNTEER

DONATE ● ● ● ● WALK SPONSOR VOLUNTEER

Presents the 1stAlzheimer’s Family Organization & Meridien Research

JOIN US FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL

HISTORICHISTORICHISTORICDOWNTOWN FLORAL CITY

A STROLL THROUGH

https://alzheimersfamily.org/bowling/https://alzheimersfamily.org/walkaware/https://alzheimersfamily.org/golftournament/www.alzheimersfamily.org

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S


PHONE: 352-616-0170 FAX: 352-616-0174 WWW.ALZHEIMERSFAMILY.ORGALZHEIMER’S FAMILY ORGANIZATION - 461 MARINER BOULEVARD, SPRING HILL, FL 34609

Proceeds to benefit the lzheimer’s amily rganizationA F O

JULY 14, 2018 | 1:00 PMJOIN US ON:

● ● ● ●REGISTER SPONSOR DONATE VOLUNTEER

50/50 Raffle, Silent Auction,Baskets and Prizes!

TEAMTeam of 4..................$150

HERNANDO

CHALLENGEb wl ngb wl ng

ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY ORGANIZATION & MERIDIEN RESEARCH

REGISTER A TEAM ONLINE & BECOME A SPONSOR

www.AlzheimersFamily.org/Bowling

Strike City 3544 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609

www.alzheimersfamily.org/bowling

R E C E N T E V E N T S

Alzheimer’s Family Support Walk 2018By Kathleen Winters

GOLD - $1,000• Dr. Bill Brandy• Vitas Healthcare• Elan• United Healthcare• Lake Medical Imaging• Brookdale Place at

Freedom Pointe

Silver - $500• Bioclinica Research• Cypress Care Center• Mission Oaks• Vascular Vein Centers• Coping with Dementia• New Covenant United

Methodist Church• Neurology Center of

Excellence

Bronze - $250• Senior Helpers• Brookdale of Clermont• Veterans & Medicaid

Planning Group PLLC• Concierge Home Care• Cornerstone Hospice &

Pallative Care• Baldwin Brothers

In-Kind• Minuteman Press of New Port Richey• Brooklyn Bagel• Bj’s Wholesale Club• Mike Scott Plumbing

THANK YOU, SPONSORSCO-NAME SPONSOR - $10,000


Our 6th Annual Alzheimer’s Family Support Walk was held on February 24, 2018. With the help of Parady Financial, AFO staff, 25 volunteers, 19 Sponsors, 4 In Kind Donors and 862 walkers we were able to raise a total of $32,651.93! The money raised will go towards continuing AFO’s support and education programs for the 8 counties that we serve! See page 5 to learn more about what we do.

Wow! What a day we had! The Walk was held in The Villages at the Polo Field on Saturday, February 24th and it was a great day all the way around! The weather was perfect, not to hot and not too cool. The sun was shining the whole day! We had 862 registered walkers this year! More than last year! We had young and old, folks that walked, some with walkers, some were pushed in wheelchairs, and some in strollers. All came together for the spirit of the day!

This day is a day to remember those we have lost, those walking the journey now and for sup-port of each and every caregiver and loved one being touched by this disease. We had a new addition to the event this year, entertainment by Scooter the DJ! He kept the crowd engaged and we had some great laughs! Our team trophies went to: 1st Place – Parady Financial with 131, 2nd New Covenant United Methodist Church with 76 and 3rd - The Day Break Club with 70!

We want to take a moment to thank Parady for being our co-name sponsor again this year and committing already to be our co-name again next year! THANK YOU! Your continual support of the AFO is greatly ap-preciated! Thank you to The Villages Cheerleaders for their continual support each year and for cheering on all the participants! We appreciate you!

We were graced with the beautiful voice of Heather Ard, who sang our National Anthem and the Vietnam Veteran’s Color Guard led off the event with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you to the Walk Committee; Co-Chairs, Cheryl Courtright, DOB Vice-President and Shelley Calkins. Board President, Deb Selsavage, Board Members Karen Mercer and Rick Wiggins, Community Partners Tyler Borowski along with our Volunteers Becky Allen, Enid Cristedero, Cindy Warner, Stan Golove, Charlie Heckel and John Lazo.

We had 4 In Memory/ Honor of Boards full with loved ones who were recognized by their family and friends!

Linda Bennett of Parady Financial, Kathleen Winters - Executive

Director of AFO, and Cindy Reed President of Parady Financial.

Scooter the DJ and our Executive Director Kathleen

Winters!

https://www.paradyfinancial.com/

I N T H E K N O W


The Oxford English Dictionary defines the ‘buddy system’ as a cooperative arrangement whereby individuals are teamed up and assume responsibility for one another’s welfare. Once you remove jargon and definitions, a workplace buddy system is simply about helping people make friends and learn from each other!

One thing’s clear – friends within a work environment matter, big time! In fact, research shows just having one close connection makes us up to 50% happier however those bonds are formed –working in collaboration, social events, or through buddy systems, all of which enhances efficiency and increases effectiveness. It’s that peer-to-peer relationship that distinguishes buddy programs from formal work place mentoring and coach-ing programs, often accompanied with performance goal setting.

Buddy systems are intentionally less structured so that the relationship can flourish and develop naturally over time and incrementally acquires new information when it is needed. It enables caregivers to mutually exchange ideas, experiences, successes, challenges, and importantly acknowledges the level of difficulty and complexity of the job of caregiving without being judgmental or critical.

In addition to expanding social networks and friend-ships, the caregiver buddy system encourages informal learning and develops skills through social interaction, shared experience, observation, demon-stration and modelling. Mutual learning can occur through this style of commu-nication and discussion that ultimately builds skills, recognition, motivation and confidence. This is critical for maintaining and sustaining focus, engagement and progression towards the multitude of caregiving tasks.

Research shows that those who ex-press fulfilment and happiness within their work environment are at least 12% more productive, communicative and collaborative. This results from successful teamwork –something that caregivers fully understand about the importance of on a daily basis.

Unlike new employees starting a new job where orientation, onboarding, work-flow processes, engagement and turnover are key factors towards performance and

A Buddy System For CaregiversBy James Finnegan, MSW, LCSW, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

retention, caregivers often inherit new or existing jobs of caring for loved ones that were never anticipated or expected. So making transi-tions to new roles, new communities and neighbor-hoods, or completely new parts of the country invites additional opportunities for building success. Although feelings of being stressed and overwhelmed are often present, some positive buddy system strategies include: • Arranging get-to-know lunches, introductions, devel-

oping rapport and relationship building;• Establishing contacts, resources, networks and groups;• Learning about local systems, procedures, and un-

spoken rules;• Refocusing on personal structure, organization, rou-

tine, and time management;• Regularly scheduled plus ad hoc contact with your

newly assigned buddy• Developing a comfortable and safe environment that

encourages asking questions and raising sensitive is-sues within a culture of openness that further builds trust, morale and teamwork.

Assigning a caregiver buddy who can help ease the transition into their new role, environment, commu-nity etc., can be extremely beneficial for all involved, especially during the early impactful period where it

Buddy, continued on page 18.

www.seniorhelpers.com/thevillages

I N T H E K N O W


is so important to feel comfortable in their new role or environment, maintain a confident attitude, and re-main engaged and energized with all of the caregiver’s daunting tasks.

It’s not just experienced caregivers who are excellent models to provide buddy system support towards oth-ers. Less experienced or diverse backgrounds of caring for loved ones are equally as important towards gaining invaluable insights, tips, tools, techniques and tricks for transferring knowledge and information towards a new member of the caregiving community and can help set the foundation for their long-term success. Building cultural competence towards any new environment is an ongoing process, and not a one-time event. Suc-cessful buddies often demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:• Teaching, tutoring, or explaining new or unfamiliar

tasks;• Socializing the new caregiver on norms, culture, and

unwritten guidelines;• Sharing insights on how things are done, resources

accessed, available support networks;• Inclusion in social or informal activities, such as lunch

events, coffee mornings, and support groups and organizations.

Successful buddies are also realistic experienced in their roles to be able to balance the comprehensive needs of themselves, their loved one, plus their fam-

Buddy continued from page 17.

ily and friends within the new buddy relationship and understand that: • They are not expected to be an expert on everything,

and don’t worry about living up to this ideal;• Focus attention on the new caregiver and what they

need to be comfortable and successful in their new role or environment;

• Remain patient—relationships take time to develop;• They don’t try to cover everything immediately, as the

new caregiver more than likely feels overwhelmed and will need time to digest all the information they are receiving from multiple sources;

• The importance of staying positive. Caregivers grow into their new roles or environment in time with ap-propriate support;

• Don’t try to force a relationship. Be available, but give the caregiver time to adjust to you and feel comfort-able with using you as a trusted resource;

• Be sensitive to the caregivers personality and com-munication style and try to adapt accordingly;

• Keep an open mind and self-reflective. The caregiver in a new role or environ-ment is relying on you amongst others, to be a safe place to get answers to their many questions so maintain a positive, teaching attitude.

Take great pride in your incredible ef-forts, as being a caregiver is not easy and those who do it are very special. More information regarding these and other support strategies for caregivers can be found from one of the many dedicated staff from a caregiver support agency such as Alzheimer’s Family Organization about getting help.

Contributions towards the development of this article is credited to the National Institute of Health, Project Management Institute, Society for Human Resource Management and Safety at Work.

Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.

Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.

missionoaks.net

I N T H E K N O W

Summer Tips For CaregivingBy Steve Davis, M.S.

As most of us who have lived in Florida for a year or more know, summer weather can be brutal. The excessive heat and humidity are particularly danger-ous to individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic issues.

Make sure to plan your summer months in accor-dance with your physical needs/limitations, as well as those of your loved one.

Above all, ensure that you each maintain proper hydration. Drink a minimum of four to six ounces of water hourly, being ever-mindful that caffeine and alcohol have dehydrating effects.

Dress appropriately with cool, loose-fitting clothing and adequate sunscreen protection. Limit direct sun exposure to no more than 20 minutes at a time. Most medications – especially antibiotics, diabetes, heart, and pain meds – cause increased sun and heat sensitivity.

Be alert for signs of heat exhaustion, which are primarily faintness/dizziness, nausea/vomiting, heavy sweating with cold clammy skin, weak/rapid pulse, pale or flushed face, muscle cramps, headaches, and weak-ness/fatigue. Without immediate medical attention, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke, which may be fatal. Signs of heat stroke include flushed/hot dry skin (with person’s ability to sweat being lost due to dehydration), 105° or higher core body tempera-ture, fainting, confusion, coma, and hyperventilation.

Always try to plan your daily activities well in advance, with ample contingencies. Be sensitive to specific emo-tional and physical needs of your loved one, focusing on those activities within each of your comfort zones and ability levels.

Stay informed of community and regional group activities and resources, including respite. Know your personal limitations. Plug into a local support group and stay connected.

Have a safe and healthy summer!


Brookdale® is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA72040-P2-0715-ROP SW

Is it possible to sustain mental function affected by the early stages of Alzheimer’s?Recent research suggests that a well-designed program, including cutting-edge technology, may be key to maintaining cognitive function and slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Clare Bridge Crossings offers innovative programming designed to engage residents, boost self-esteem, improve quality of life and help seniors to remain social. Our unique approach includes such mind enhancing activities as:

• InTouch, a unique technology that provides a virtual world of discovery

• Ventures Outings, our program that offers new learnings with lectures and trips

To learn more about Clare Bridge Crossings, call 1-877-885-6153.

brookdale.comAssisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care1700 El Camino Real | The Villages, Florida 32159Assisted Living Facility # AL12644

Discoverthe Latest Encouraging News About Early Stage Memory Care

https://www.brookdale.com/en/communities/freedom-pointe-at-the-villages.html

I N T H E K N O W


The File of Life is a record of medical informa-tion which you can fill out yourself. The record is printed on heavy card-stock, and records such things as emergency contacts, your doctor’s name, recent surgeries, medical conditions, and medication chart. Once filled out, this record is designed to slide into a bright red plastic sleeve with a magnetic backing. The magnetic backing allows anyone to attach the File of Life to their refrigerator.

So why fill this form out and stick it to the refrig-erator door, where it takes up space you could fill with photos of grandchildren, or game schedules of sports-playing grandchildren?

Because in the event you need an ambulance at your house, those paramedics who respond are trained to look at your refrigerator door for just this kind of thing.

While they are treating the medical emergency, and preparing the patient for transport, they can grab the File of Life, look it over, and make sure it gets to the emergency room with the patient.

The emergency room staff can, with a glance at the card, get a pretty good idea of your medical history.

File Of LifeBy Katrina Butler

For more information please call 352-616-0170Would you like to advertise in this Newsletter?

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Ron Francis IIIFinancial Advisor.

2619 E Gulf To Lake Hwy #A2Inverness, FL 34453352-341-0579

IRT-

4395

C-A

You’re Retired. Your Money Isn’t.

To learn why consolidating your retirement accounts to Edward Jones makes sense, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

And just as importantly, they can get an up to date record of the medications you are using. Just consider what can happen if you don’t post a File of Life on your refrigerator.

When the paramedics arrive, and get someone ready for transport, they will want to know about medications. So someone will need to scramble around collecting pill bottles, remembering how often the patient takes each

pill, and how many pills they take each time. And communicate this to the paramedics. And this needs to happen as two or three or four paramedics, and maybe a police officer or two, are maneuvering a gurney through the house, along with whatever other emergency kit they need for the situ-ation. Do you think there is a chance something might be overlooked, or forgotten, or mistakenly told to the paramedic?

You can eliminate just that much stress in an awful situation by keep-ing the File of Life on your refrigerator door.

Where can you get this resource? You can order online at FOLife.org or Amazon.com, you can also check with your local Sheriff’s Department.

https://www.edwardjones.com/financial-advisor/index.html?CIRN=9iMjW9Stv2SkfRBHE0Iagan1kDgfakFbgnLrF3Pey%2BFM5N4TSDezcEc74QeDw3gy

I N T H E K N O W

Hurricane Preparedness TipsBy: Katrina Butler

The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety. Prepare now for a sudden emergency and remember to review your plan regularly.

Meet with your family and friends and explain your concerns to your family and others in your support network and work with them as a team to prepare.

Arrange for someone to check on you at the time of a disaster. Be sure to include any caregivers in your meeting and planning efforts.

Assess yourself and your household. What personal abilities and limitations may affect your response to a disaster? Think about how you can resolve these or other questions and discuss them with your family and friends. Details are important to ensure your plan fits your needs. Then, practice the planned actions to make sure everything “works.”

Family communication plans are very important. Carry family contact information in your wallet. Also, choose an out-of-town contact person as well.

Ask about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in your community. Know about your com-munity’s response and evacuation plans (e.g., hurricane, nuclear emergency, severe weather). If you do not own a vehicle or drive, find out in advance what your community’s plans are for evacuating those without private transportation or make arrangements with a neighbor or family who would drive you. If you receive home care, speak with your case manager to see what their plan is in times of emergency and how they can assist with your plan.

Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in

a designated place so they can be found quickly. This step is essential for those who have home-health caregivers, particularly for those who are bed bound.

Keep copies of vital family re-cords and other important docu-ments such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insurance and immunizations records in a safe location, like a fire safe or safe-deposit box. Plastic sleeves will help protect important documents.

Ensure that your, and your loved ones, medications are refilled ahead of the storm. Most pharmacies will allow you to fill refills prior to the fill due date in cases of emergency, like a hurricane.

The American Red Cross has an excellentpreparedness guide to help keep you on track.

Our next issue will provide more information.


352-597-8839813-877-8839727-347-8839

WWW.NEWSTUDYINFO.COM

ALZ100

310C

We need individuals age 50 to 90 who have Alzheimer’s for a study of a medication that may slow the progression of the disease.Eligible participants will receive study-related care, monitoring and investigational medication or placebo. Compensation for time and travel may be available to patient and caregiver. Call today to see if you qualify!

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASERESEARCH STUDY

352-597-8839813-877-8839727-347-8839


ALZ100

310C



352-597-8839813-877-8839727-347-8839


ALZ100

310C



352-597-8839813-877-8839727-347-8839


ALZ100

310C



newstudyinfo.com

I N T H E K N O W


S I M P LY D E L I C I O U S

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana BitesIngredients:• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter• 2 tsp. coconut oil• 2 bananas, sliced into 1” rounds• Flaky sea salts

Preparation:1. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parch-

ment paper.2. In a medium bowl, heat chocolate in 30-second

intervals until melted. Heat peanut butter for 15 seconds in microwave until runny.

3. In a medium bowl, mix chocolate and coconut oil until combined.

4. Into small baking cups, add teaspoon scoops of chocolate. Top with a slice of banana, a teaspoon-sized scoop of peanut butter, and another scoop of chocolate. Repeat until you have used all your banana slices. Top with a pinch of sea salt.

5. Place tray in freezer for 2 hours, or until frozen. Serve.

AMD Care Management, Inc. Assisting Seniors in their time of need

Advocating for seniors by providing a professional concierge care management service to assist seniors in understanding their choices in a complex healthcare environment to maintain a high quality of life.

Services provided: • Assessment and monitoring• Advocacy• Crisis Management• Coordination of services

• Education and family support• Placement assistance• Referral for local resource

Servicing Lake County, The Villages and West Orange County Call today for your free consultation

(352) [email protected]

AMD Care Management, Inc.Assisting Seniors in their time of need

• Assessment and monitoring• Advocacy• Crisis Management•Coordinationofservices

Advocatingforseniorsbyprovidingaprofessionalconcierge care management service to assist seniors inunderstandingtheirchoicesinacomplexhealthcare

environmenttomaintainahighqualityoflife.

Servicing Lake County, The Villages and West Orange CountyCalltodayforyourfreeconsultation(352) 432-2115

[email protected] • www.amdcares.com

Services provided:•Educationandfamilysupport•Placementassistance•Referralforlocalresource

Free Memory Screening!

CALL TODAY 352-261-0901

http://www.bioclinica.com/global-clinical-researchhttps://amdcares.com/www.beachhousewiregrass.com

I N T H E K N O W


Together with The Villages is a trademark of Holding Company of The Villages, Inc., and is used with permission. 1/18

Assisted Living Facility License # 12833

ÉLAN SPANISH SPRINGS®ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

930 Alverez AvenueThe Villages, FL 32159P: [352] 300-1089 | F: [352] 775-8906ElanSpanishSprings.com

FULLY-FURNISHEDMEMORY CARE APARTMENTS

Please call [352] 300-1089 for moreinformation on this limited availability.

At Élan Spanish Springs® we have a solution.We are now o�ering fully furnished memory care apartments.

Moving a loved one into a memory care community could be one of the hardest decisions a caregiver will ever have to make.

Loved OneAnonymous

Do not ask me to remember,Don’t try to make me understand

Let me rest and know you’re with meKiss my cheek and hold my hand

I’m confused beyond your conceptI am sad and sick and lost

All I know is that I need Stay with me at any cost

Do not lose your patience with meDo not scold or curse or cry

I can’t help the way I’m actingCan’t be different ‘though I try

Just remember that I need youThat the best of me is gone

Please don’t fail to stand beside me, Love me till my life is gone.

We’ll put our heads together and custom design a great look for your business, so your printing job will stand out above the rest…

Look Your Best!

Do you need…• creative design • digital printing • offset printing

• copying services • mailing services• finishing services • posters • specialty items

7117 US Highway 19New Port RicheyFlorida 34652

[email protected]

www.newportrichey.minutemanpress.com

We deliver your jobon time, every time!

http://www.newportrichey.minutemanpress.com/http://usbgllc.org/https://elanspanishsprings.com/

NoN-Profit orgaNizatioNU.S. PoStage

P A I DtamPa, fL

Permit #6328

461 Mariner BoulevardSpring Hill, FL 34609352-616-0170E-mail: [email protected] Site: www.alzheimersfamily.org

HAVE YOU MOVED???If your address has changed,

please let us know.

Published by

facebook.com/AFO.FL

How to Make a Bequest to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization

Enclosed is my tax deductible donation of $ _________Please dedicate my donation in honor of/in memory of:(Name) ___________________________________And notify: Name ____________________________Address __________________________________City _________________ State _____ Zip ________Sent by ___________________________________Address ___________________________________City _________________ State _____ Zip ________

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization needs your support to carry on all of the services we offer including support groups, the Helpline, the Newsletter and other activities to assist families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.q YES, I would like to be a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.q YES, I would like to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization through

membership, which entitles me to receive the newsletter, updates on research and notification of caregiver days/seminars.

Name __________________________________________________________Address _______________________________________ County __________City _______________________________ State ______ Zip _____________Home Phone ___________________ Email ____________________________Enclosed is my tax deductible membership contribution of:q $50 Memberq $100 Friendq $500 Lifetimeq $1000 Alzheimer’s Angel

q $300 Corporate (organization, agency, nursing home or ALF)

q $500 Corporate Plus (organization, agency, nursing home or ALF)

Speak with your attorney about the advantages of estate planning and how your will can benefit both your loved ones and the Alzheimer’s Family Organization. If you already have a will, your lawyer may add a codicil to it. If you don’t have a will, the bequest can be included when your will is drafted.

We accept MasterCard, Visa

and Discover

Twitter@AlzFamilyOrg

Elder AssistanceA Ray of Hope

(727) 372-9100

Available 24/7Same low rates nights and weekends

www.elderassistance.us

Providing quality home care for those wishing to age in place. Family owned and operated since 2002.Services include: Companion Care, Alzheimer’s Care, Light Housekeeping, Meal Preparation,

Medication Reminders, Facility Sitter Services, Shopping and Transportation. Ask us about our FREE Assisted Living Placement Service.

Would you like to help support AFO?

http://www.elderassistance.us/

WE CHALLENGE YOU ON JULY 14, 2018 · Lynda Gauger IMO Marvin . Watson Allen Squires IMO Pat ....

Documents

Transcript of WE CHALLENGE YOU ON JULY 14, 2018 · Lynda Gauger IMO Marvin . Watson Allen Squires IMO Pat ....