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In This Issue:
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May/June 2008
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Love in the Time of Alzheimer's
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Dementia Partnership to Screen Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter
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Missed the May 1 Breakfast Benefit?
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Lifting the Clouds: Addressing Depression in Older Adults
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Adult Day Services in National News
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Challenges in Caregiving Conference
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By Nora Gibson, Executive Director
This is a difficult story to tell.
“Francis” and “Cora Lee” had an intense love for each other, almost to the exclusion of the outside world. They had no children and spent their time travelling the globe. But by their nineties—in-line with statistics showing a 50% prevalence of dementia in persons over 85—Cora Lee had developed Alzheimer’s disease. Francis had not.
She became more than he could care for, and for most elders, that would be the point at which they parted ways, with her moving to a skilled nursing facility. But they remained inseparable, moving into Gaffney House, where they shared a bed in a large room on the second floor. With Francis’ independence in mind, we simply charged him a devotion rate (room and board).
He spent his days caring for her, and in the beginning they would still go out together: bird watching, shopping, walking around the neighborhood. But she continued to decline to the point where she could no longer tolerate the outings and was struggling with other health problems. Francis was still physically strong and mentally vital while Cora Lee needed almost constant care. We had to insist on letting our staff help take care of her, which he allowed; still, he rarely left her side.
One day I was in a meeting when I received a call on my cell phone from Steve, the manager of Gaffney House. . . .
[Follow link below for conclusion]
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Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter
Thursday, May 22, 2008, 7:00-8:30pm (doors open 6:30pm)
ElderHealth Northwest S. Seattle Adult Day Health Center
4712 35th Ave S (off Alaska)
Free (limited seating), respite care available
RSVP by Monday, May 19: (206) 224-3757
Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter is an Academy Award nominated film chronicling the various stages of a mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and the evolution of a daughter’s response to the illness. Neither depressing nor medical, it is a life-affirming exploration of family relations, aging and change, the meaning of memory, and love.
The American Society on Aging (Marcia Freedman) says about the documentary: “Unflinchingly honest . . . a film that will give hope to Alzheimer’s caregivers as well as early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.”
The short documentary will be followed by a question and answer session with an information panel. The event is especially appropriate for family members who are caring for a loved one with dementia. Attendees will learn about a range of free services for people with memory problems and their family caregivers.
This free event is sponsored by the King County Dementia Partnership Project, whose members include ElderHealth Northwest, Alzheimer’s Association, Evergreen Healthcare’s Geriatric Regional Assessment Team, Senior Services, Kin On Community Healthcare, and Seattle/King County Aging and Disability Services.
On-site respite care is available. RSVP by Monday, May 19: (206) 224-3757. Seating is limited; early reservations are advised.
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Lifting the Clouds: Addressing Depression in Older Adults
May 30, 2008, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Cedarbrook Conference Center, 18525 36th Ave S, SeaTac
The Washington Alliance for Healthy Aging (WAHA) presents the 6th Annual Healthy Aging Summit. Participants from aging services, mental health, public health and community-based organizations are invited to increase their knowledge of depression in older adults, learn strategies for community-based screening and treatment, and network with colleagues to share ideas and increase collaboration.
Speakers include:
• Mark Snowden, MD, MPH, University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center
• Nancy Dapper, MPA, Alzheimer’s Association
• Ken Ryan, MC-GMHS, West Seattle Mental Health
• Rick Crozier, MA, GMHS, Good Samaritan Behavioral Healthcare
The registration fee is $75. To view the agenda and download the registration form, follow the link below.
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"Inside ElderHealth" is an occasional e-newsletter of ElderHealth Northwest, a non-profit organization providing innovative eldercare options since 1976.
Adult Day Health Centers * Supported Living Homes * Geriatric Care Management
In-Home Services * ElderFriends Volunteers
Copyright © 2008 ElderHealth Northwest
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