Thursday, December 19, 2013

Treat caregivers with these special coupons

Treat caregivers with these special coupons

Caregiving is often a 24/7 job. Cooking, cleaning, running errands, making appointments, providing love and companionship—caregivers do all of this and so much more.
Recognize the challenges and sacrifices of the caregiver in your life by presenting a book of coupons, which entitle the recipient to things like a full day off for “me time” and a home cooked meal, among other little luxuries.

Shop to fight Alzheimer’s this holiday season

Shop to fight Alzheimer’s this holiday season

Take care of your holiday shopping while contributing to the fight against Alzheimer’s by visiting Shop for the Cause. Find a gift for a person with the disease, a caregiver or anyone interested in supporting the Alzheimer’s Association’s care, support and research efforts.

Greater Illinois Chapter seeks spring semester interns

Greater Illinois Chapter seeks spring semester interns

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is looking for motivated and capable college students to apply for three internship opportunities, two in our Joliet office and one in Springfield.
Learn more about the job responsibilities, requirements and schedule for these exciting internships openings.
The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is looking for motivated and capable college students to apply for three internship opportunities, two in our Joliet office and one in Springfield.
Learn more about the job responsibilities, requirements and schedule for these exciting internships openings.
Type: Internship – Unpaid
Length: Spring Semester (January to May)
Hours: Schedule is flexible – Monday through Friday. Student should expect to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week.
Job Description:
- Coordinate the Forget Me Not tag days fundraiser for the Springfield office. This will include, but not be limited to: secure tagging locations (storefronts, intersections, etc.) in and around Springfield, secure and communicate with volunteers, and support staff
- Assist staff person with tasks on days of the event – Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17
Applicants must have a car and driver’s license. This position requires an individual to be self-motivated and committed to seeing a project from start to finish. Training will be provided on the job by supervisor.
To Apply: Those applying for the position in Springfield can email a resume and cover letter to Tina Arnold, Manager, Special Events, tarnold@alz.org.
Those applying for the position in Joliet can email a resume and cover letter to Paige Knebel, Manager, Special Events, pknebel@alz.org.
Position Title: Education and Outreach Intern
Location: 850 Essington Rd. Suite 200 Joliet, IL 60435
Type: Internship – Unpaid
Length: Spring Semester (January to May)
Hours: To be determined by student schedule, Up to 40 hours/week
Job Description:
- Focus on community education and outreach in the office territory
- Teaching the Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss to community members, caregivers and possibly persons with Alzheimer’s disease
- Attend networking opportunities in the community to represent the Alzheimer’s Association as needed
- Attend planning meetings for upcoming events as needed
- Work with program staff to promote programs throughout chapter territory
- Responsible for cold calling, potential community partners
- Research and attend Health Fairs and Volunteer Fairs in the Joliet territory
- Work to increase general concern and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association
- Assist staff members with other outreach and clerical projects as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Applicants will need to have previously obtained computer skills in google, email and office suite, as well as the ability to speak to large and small groups, and exceptional organizational skills. Knowledge or experience with Alzheimer’s disease is preferred but not required.

The clock is ticking on our year-end challenge – Alzheimer’s disease

The clock is ticking on our year-end challenge – Alzheimer’s disease

Thanks to donors like you, we met our $10,000 challenge match generously sponsored by Abbe Rubin. We’re so grateful for your support!
We’re excited to announce that a second donor has stepped forward with $15,000 year-end matching gift challenge. You have another opportunity for your gift to go twice as far.
When Yunni Pao started to show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, his family reached out to their local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for help. Thanks to the chapter’s services the Pao family was better able to prepare for Yunni’s care and plan for the future.
Grateful for the help their father received, Henry and Debbie Pao will donate $15,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we can raise the same amount by December 31, 2013. Their generous gift will benefit local care and support services.
Your tax-deductible year-end donation of $50 can become $100, or a gift of $100 can become $200. Any amount you give will help us continue to pursue our mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The Pao family invites you to join their commitment to the cause by matching their gift of $15,000. Please give today!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Ask the Helpline

Ask the Helpline

My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely.
My father has just been diagnosed, but we’ve been noticing some problems for a while. When does he need to stop driving? And how do we tell him?
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean that driving must stop at once. However, it does mean that at some point in the future, the person with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely. Driving is a complex task that depends upon our sensory, physical, and cognitive abilities. As dementia progresses, all of these abilities are impaired.
Conversations about driving can be very challenging. We live in a world where driving and independence are practically synonymous. Having to give up driving means facing the losses that come with dementia and this can be difficult for everyone involved.
If the person with dementia is diagnosed early, he may be aware of his diagnosis and understand the impact it will eventually have on his ability to drive safely. Ideally, he should participate in conversations and decisions regarding driving. However, if he cannot or will not, caregivers must prepare for a time when he will not be able to drive, and intervene to keep him and others safe.
Assessing safety
Because individuals with dementia can lack self-awareness, it is critical that someone else assess driving ability. One way to do this is to observe the person with dementia while driving, either as a passenger or by following them. Some warning signs include:
• Getting lost
• Forgetting the destination during the trip
• Failing to observe traffic signs
• Making slow or poor decisions in traffic
• Becoming angry or confused while driving
• Hitting curbs
• Confusing the brake and gas pedals
• Multiple accidents or near misses
Having the discussion
Be sure to approach the topic with empathy. Also, appeal to the person’s sense of responsibility: no one wants to be responsible for harming others on the road. It may be helpful to reinforce medical diagnoses and directives; sometimes people will respond to a doctor as an authority figure when they won’t listen to their children or spouse. Some options for this include:
• Illinois driver’s license renewal: road test required over age 75
• Comprehensive driver evaluation. You can search for a diagnostic driving evaluation center at our community resource finder.
• A “Do not Drive” prescription from a doctor
• Physician report to Secretary of State
However, keep in mind that even loss of a driver’s license may not be enough to keep the person with dementia off the road if he still has access to a car and is determined to drive. He may not remember that he has been told by his doctor not to drive or that he has lost his license.
Alternate transportation
• You will want to explore alternative transportation options. Some resources include:
• Family/friends/neighbors/religious community: Coordinate with Care Team Calendar.
• Volunteer driver: National Volunteer Caregiving Network
• City or township programs such as paratransit or taxi vouchers for seniors or disabled persons. Click here to access these via your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 1.800.252.8966
Deterring the Determined Driver
Sometimes you may need to actively prevent the person with dementia from driving. This can be very difficult. Children find it emotionally challenging to start exerting authority over their parents, and spouses don’t want to make their loved one angry by insisting they stop driving. However, no one wants the person with dementia to injure or kill themselves or someone else. Here are some ways to prevent an unsafe driver from getting on the road:
• Distract and re-direct: “We’ll go visit your friend next week when they’re back from vacation. Can you come help me with…”
• Offer to drive: “It’s my turn to drive today.”
• Restrict access to car keys.
• Disable the car.
• Remove or sell the car.
Giving up driving can be a significant loss. Conversations about driving are one of the difficult situations in dementia care, especially because the safest solution may not be the choice that makes an affected loved one happy. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is here to talk you through this and provide support, resources and advice.
Click here to learn more about dementia and driving, including videos of four families having this discussion.

Spotlight on Alzheimer’s Ambassador Beverly Rogers

Spotlight on Alzheimer’s Ambassador Beverly Rogers

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is proud to recognize Beverly Rogers, a new Ambassador for our organization.
In her role as an Ambassador, Rogers works with her Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) by making visits to Kelly’s office, informing the representative and others about key Alzheimer’s legislation and bringing awareness to issues affecting both individuals with the disease as well as caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is proud to recognize Beverly Rogers, a new Ambassador for our organization.
In her role as an Ambassador, Rogers works with her Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) by making visits to Kelly’s office, informing the representative and others about key Alzheimer’s legislation and bringing awareness to issues affecting both individuals with the disease as well as caregivers. Rogers was recently named Constituent of the Week by Kelly’s office for her dedication in community service.
Rogers’ was a long-time caregiver to her late husband, Amos. She is also a support group facilitator, helping others who are wrestling with the day-to-day challenges of caring for someone with the illness.
“A family caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease travels a road filled with challenges that can cause major damage to themselves as well as their loved one,” Rogers said. “The Ambassador role at the Alzheimer’s Association allows me to educate those who can eliminate the controllable hazards from the world of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
The Greater Illinois Chapter thanks Rogers for her wonderful work in advancing Alzheimer’s public policy.

Caregiver focuses on daily life rather than husband’s memory issues

Caregiver focuses on daily life rather than husband’s memory issues

With two young children at home, Karen Garner couldn’t wallow in self-pity after her husband, Jim, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment that will possibly lead to younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her family’s active schedule allows her to focus on her to-do list and not on their plight.
“In all likelihood, you have mild cognitive impairment that will eventually lead to younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, especially with your family’s history.”
With that brief pronouncement, my world, my husband’s world and our children’s world changed forever. My husband Jim was 48 when we heard those words. I was 40. Our daughter was 9 and our son was 6.
I wasn’t exactly sure what it all meant. The more reading and research I did, the more depressed I became. Words and phrases kept jumping off the page….”no cure,” “death,” “progressively worse,” “dependent,” “no treatments.”
I started to separate myself from Jim and the disease to the point that I became almost businesslike. Researching, interviewing doctors, contacting the Alzheimer’s Association – I was just trying to figure out what was happening and what kind of timeline we were on. I soon found out that there is no timeline. In fact, no two patients have the same symptoms at the same time, in the same order or on the same schedule. It makes for an isolating and desperate feeling.
With two young children at home, I was unable to wallow in my self-pity. I am no longer afforded the luxury of thinking too far ahead, dreaming of a life enchanted. Luckily we are an active family with hectic schedules; this helps me focus on my to-do list and not on our plight.
I have slowly developed an awareness of the new Karen. The old Karen liked to think of herself as a giver, and she was to a certain point. But the new Karen must constantly be giving to Jim, the kids, to others. And it feels good.
Lifting my head off my pillow, pushing away the covers and facing the day ahead of me takes every ounce of self-motivation I can muster. But if I don’t, I won’t get paid, the kids won’t have breakfast, their lunches won’t get made and they won’t make it to school. It is a cycle, and everyone lives it.
Slowly – very slowly – I have pulled myself out of the fog, out of the darkness. Don’t get me wrong; I still have moments of sheer terror and obliterating pain. But I have found my life again. I thought I found my life when I met Jim. Then I thought I found my life when I had each of my children. But I think I was always trying to figure out what my true calling was. I felt I had a purpose, but it eluded me until this past year.
I started by doing advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association in Washington D.C. That led to some interviews about the disease. Then, with encouragement from friends, I started writing a blog chronicling our path through younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Emails started pouring in, then more speaking engagements and interviews. Suddenly I realized I had found what I was looking for. I was looking for my life’s calling and this was it. It wasn’t what I would have ever expected or guessed or hoped for, but it is my calling all the same.
Jim’s mother and brother died of Alzheimer’s disease, so it doesn’t take a genius to realize our children have a high probability of also succumbing to this hideous malady. There is my motivation. There is where my strength starts and ends. I don’t feel as if I am going through a mid-life crisis as much as I am going through amid-life awakening.
Life is so much different since our world became engulfed with all things Alzheimer’s. I feel like a small pilot light inside of me has now been ignited and is ready to spread like a wildfire.
No day is the same and no day is easy. There are days when Jim barely acknowledges me or our kids. He is in his own world. It is hurtful. It is lonely. It is heartbreaking. And I know it’s only going to get worse.
Luckily, I know I am not alone. I think of what I am going to do to help others. By helping others, I will help us. It is a continual shifting back and forth, like water in an eddy.
There is a sense of duty and a sense of awareness that I have never felt before. It empowers me to not only get out of bed and make it through my day, but to do it with a sense of purpose, with an understanding of pain, and the ability to feel powerless against a force I have no control over. There is no way of knowing when it will be felt or when it will strike a new low, but if I were to let myself lose focus of the bigger picture, I would be crushed under the weight of uncertainty that is equaled out by a certainty of what is to come.
I am strong. I am weak. I am a caregiver for a man with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
I will survive. It may not be pretty. It may not be quick. It may cost me everything I cherish, but I will survive with the help of friends, family, strangers and myself. I must survive for my children and for other caregivers that are struggling just as I am. We will all survive together, knowing that we are not alone. Feel the love and the power of others rooting for you to endure.
About the blog author: Karen Garner is a mother of a 9-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.  She works full time and is care partner for her husband, Jim, who is living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. She shares her journey through her blog, Missing Jim.

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Union Station Charity Drive brings in funds for Alzheimer’s cause

Union Station Charity Drive brings in funds for Alzheimer’s cause

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter took part in the 5th annual Union Station Charity Drive Dec. 4. Volunteers and staff members stood outside train platforms and throughout the station, asking Chicagoland commuters and others to consider donating. In all, the event raised $4,300 for important Alzheimer’s programs and services.
Please consider your own contribution to the Alzheimer’s cause before year’s end.
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Alzheimer’s Association and help fight Alzheimer’s disease through vital research and essential support programs and services. Please select the type of donation you wish to make:


Estimates show 44 million people now living with dementia worldwide

Estimates show 44 million people now living with dementia worldwide

A policy brief from Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates that 44 million people worldwide are living with dementia, up from 35 million in 2010. The brief also estimates that 135 million people worldwide will have dementia by 2050. The figures were released prior to this week’s first-ever G8 Dementia Summit, a gathering of leaders in the dementia field. The Alzheimer’s Association has been invited to participate in a leadership role in the meetings.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Time is running out – Alzheimer’s Association


Time is running out – Alzheimer’s Association


In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 68 seconds. Though we’ve made significant strides in the movement to end Alzheimer’s, we’ve yet to make a breakthrough. We need the continued support of generous friends like you.
Two anonymous donors from California have agreed to collectively give $225,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association if we raise that same amount by December 31, 2013.Please make a gift before time runs out.
Your tax-deductible year-end donation of $50 can become $100, or a gift of $100 can become $200. Any amount you give by December 31, 2013 can speed our momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Help us seize this exceptional opportunity so together we can realize our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.Please make your gift today.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Greater Illinois Chapter unveils Impact Report

Greater Illinois Chapter unveils Impact Report

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter FY 13 Impact Report is now available. The report is an important look at our progress over the past fiscal year. Compelling community-based programming, the signature fundraiser Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, diversity outreach and advocacy and public policy achievements are only a few ways the Greater Illinois Chapter is making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter FY 13 Impact Report is now available. The report is an important look at our progress over the past fiscal year, showcasing the Chapter’s efforts in providing programs and services as well as advancing the Alzheimer’s cause. Compelling community-based programming, the signature fundraiser Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, diversity outreach and advocacy and public policy achievements are only a few ways the Greater Illinois Chapter is making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Ready for a Reason to Hope?

Ready for a Reason to Hope?

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter Reason to Hope is a powerful 60-minute fundraising luncheon and program on Alzheimer’s disease. The goal for the event is to spread our message into the communities we serve and raise funds for the critical work we do nationwide. Please consider becoming a Table Host for this important event. Reason to Hope will take place in Oak Brook on Wednesday, April 23 and Chicago Tuesday, April 29.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Reason to Hope is a powerful 60-minute fundraising luncheon and program on Alzheimer’s disease. Though there is no cost to attend the luncheon, all Table Hosts and their guests will be asked at the conclusion to support the Alzheimer’s community by making
a One-Time gift or Multi-Year pledge to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. The goal for the event is to spread our message into the communities we serve and raise funds for the critical work we do nationwide. As a Reason to Hope Table Host this is your opportunity to share your passion for the Alzheimer’s Association with your friends, work colleagues and family.
In 2014, our Chapter will be hosting two Reason to Hope luncheons on the following dates:
5th Annual Chicago Reason to HopeTuesday, April 29, 2014
Noon-1pm.
Union League Club of Chicago
65 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Click here to view and download the FAQ for Chicago Reason to Hope Table Hosts.
3rd Annual Oak Brook Reason to HopeWednesday, April 23, 2014
Noon-1pm.
Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus
2815 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Click here to view and download the FAQ for Oak Brook Reason to Hope Table Hosts.
For more information about Reason to Hope, please contact Sam Provenzano, Manager, Intermediate Giving at 847.324.0382 or via email at sprovenzano@alz.org.

Author cooks up hope as a way to deal with Alzheimer’s

Author cooks up hope as a way to deal with Alzheimer’s

Cookbook author Paula Wolfert has Alzheimer’s and can’t remember all of the ingredients in her recipes anymore. But she continues to cook, with the hope that she can delay the effects of the disease.