The 2011 Walk/Run to Remember is over and we raised $309,000 and we hosted approximately 7000 people on Saturday, October 15th. I got up that morning and met some dedicated volunteers and Alzheimer’s Services staff who showed up at the LSU “Old Front Nine” at 5:30 AM. By 8:00 we were set-up, organized and ready to greet our guests. By 1:00 PM, all the tables, chairs, tents, banners, stage, volunteers, walkers, Memory Market exhibitors and a large armadillo was packed up. How amazing to go from an empty field to thousands of people and back to an empty field in less than 6 hours.
Part of the amazing side of it is that our volunteers are so devoted and always willing to help make our walk our biggest awareness event of the year. I can’t thank you enough for all your help! Another special group is our Memory Market exhibitors. This year we had new tents for them and while I couldn’t wait to see all 32 exhibitors lined up and ready to greet our guests, I was awed by how much attention to detail went into each booth. Companies went the extra mile to bring giveaways, door prizes and set up eye-catching displays so that our caregivers and other interested individuals would have the chance to view their services and products.
Unfortunately this year we didn’t get to hear the band again, due to a problem with the generator, but these guys are also dedicated and have promised to play for the 2012 Walk which is tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2012. Club South again came out and coordinated the runners. This group is great. The food and drinks were awesome; thanks to Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Mockler, Capital City Produce, Mark Sanders and his group of friends, Home Instead for cooking the hotdogs and many other people who donated products and volunteered their time.
Our participants and donors all seemed to have a great day and we are so appreciative of your dedication to our mission. Simply saying thank you isn’t enough. We have recently revamped our Facebook and Twitter so “like” us on Facebook (Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area) and “follow” us on Twitter (AlzServices). I have been posting walk photos and this is a great way for everyone to stay connected with us. We want to hear your thoughts and questions. Thank you again, I am so happy to be part of this organization.
Teri BrantleyWalk Coordinator
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Holidays
It’s that special time of the year to give thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us throughout the year. I am especially thankful for having been given the opportunity to work for an organization that I am so proud of. The work that goes on at Alzheimer’s Services and Charlie’s Place is amazing. Each day our staff gives their best, it’s not just a job, it is a labor of love.
I see the relief on the caregivers faces as they drop their loved ones off each day knowing they will have 6 precious hours of relief from the “36 hour day.” I also see the joy and happiness on the clients faces after they have spent a day at Charlie’s Place. They receive stimulation and socialization and “person centered care” by not only the staff, but the volunteers who care for them.
I am very thankful that there is a place like Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area that can assist, and provide support and services to so many in need in our community.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, please visit us on Facebook, and share with your friends that Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area is a place for those affected by this disease and their caregivers to receive help and support. Why not make plans soon to bring a friend to see our special “gem” in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. You will leave inspired.
Debbie Kidder Little – Development Director
I see the relief on the caregivers faces as they drop their loved ones off each day knowing they will have 6 precious hours of relief from the “36 hour day.” I also see the joy and happiness on the clients faces after they have spent a day at Charlie’s Place. They receive stimulation and socialization and “person centered care” by not only the staff, but the volunteers who care for them.
I am very thankful that there is a place like Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area that can assist, and provide support and services to so many in need in our community.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, please visit us on Facebook, and share with your friends that Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area is a place for those affected by this disease and their caregivers to receive help and support. Why not make plans soon to bring a friend to see our special “gem” in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. You will leave inspired.
Debbie Kidder Little – Development Director
Coping with Holidays & Special Events - 10 Tips for Caregivers
1. Organize events around your routine.
*When possible, keep your regular routine. It will help lower stress for you and the person you are caring for.
*Try to keep things like sleeping, eating, bathing and dressing at the same time.
2. Plan for your best time of day.
*Plan outings and events during the time of day that is best for you and the person you are caring for.
*Plan for short visits or trips out of the home. This may be easier for you and the person you are caring for to handle.
3. Don’t try to do too much.
*Set limits so that you and the person you are caring for do not become too tired or stressed.
*Save your energy for the things that you enjoy the most.
*Keep in mind that you do not have to go to every party or event.
4. Keep gatherings small.
*When possible limit the number of people who will attend.
*At a large event, see if it is possible to have a smaller space or quiet area set aside. The person you care for may benefit from the reduced stimulation.
5. Start new traditions.
*You will not let others down by changing how special times are celebrated.
*Even if hosting a big event is something that you have always done, it is OK to pass it on to another friend or family member.
*Have people over for a special dessert instead of a full meal.
*Ask others to bring a dish, game or fun activity to share.
6. Invite others to help.
*If you are planning or hosting an event, ask for help. Give some ideas, then let friends and family members choose how they would like to help.
*Some may want to bring a dish, others may want to stay and help clean up.
*Even children can set tables, make decorations and address invitations.
7. Make gift giving easy.
*Events and holidays often involve gift giving, which can add to a caregiver’s stress.
*Catalog or online shopping is a great way to save time.
*KEEP IT SIMPLE. Give a gift card or a framed copy of a special photo.
8. Plan ahead for trips and visits away from home.
*Make sure the place you are visiting is accessible for people with wheelchairs or walkers if needed.
*Talk with the host about any foods that should be avoided.
*Bring along any needed supplies such as a change of clothes or medications.
9. Talk before the holiday or special event.
*If family members and friends do not already know you are caring for a loved one, let them know before a holiday gathering.
*Send a simple note with your holiday cards or invitations. Or take a moment to call or email.
*Tell friends and family members what daily life is like and how they can help.
10. Share your wish list.
*Holidays can be a good time to ask for help.
*Let others know what you need. Be creative. Consider asking for a few hours away from caregiving, help with home chores or even a special treat for yourself.
To find this information and other resources for older adults and caregivers, visit the Eldercare Locator at
www.eldercare.gov on the internet. Or contact us here at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, call (225)334-7494.
Ed Picard, Respite Center Coordinator
Charlie’s Place Respite Center
*When possible, keep your regular routine. It will help lower stress for you and the person you are caring for.
*Try to keep things like sleeping, eating, bathing and dressing at the same time.
2. Plan for your best time of day.
*Plan outings and events during the time of day that is best for you and the person you are caring for.
*Plan for short visits or trips out of the home. This may be easier for you and the person you are caring for to handle.
3. Don’t try to do too much.
*Set limits so that you and the person you are caring for do not become too tired or stressed.
*Save your energy for the things that you enjoy the most.
*Keep in mind that you do not have to go to every party or event.
4. Keep gatherings small.
*When possible limit the number of people who will attend.
*At a large event, see if it is possible to have a smaller space or quiet area set aside. The person you care for may benefit from the reduced stimulation.
5. Start new traditions.
*You will not let others down by changing how special times are celebrated.
*Even if hosting a big event is something that you have always done, it is OK to pass it on to another friend or family member.
*Have people over for a special dessert instead of a full meal.
*Ask others to bring a dish, game or fun activity to share.
6. Invite others to help.
*If you are planning or hosting an event, ask for help. Give some ideas, then let friends and family members choose how they would like to help.
*Some may want to bring a dish, others may want to stay and help clean up.
*Even children can set tables, make decorations and address invitations.
7. Make gift giving easy.
*Events and holidays often involve gift giving, which can add to a caregiver’s stress.
*Catalog or online shopping is a great way to save time.
*KEEP IT SIMPLE. Give a gift card or a framed copy of a special photo.
8. Plan ahead for trips and visits away from home.
*Make sure the place you are visiting is accessible for people with wheelchairs or walkers if needed.
*Talk with the host about any foods that should be avoided.
*Bring along any needed supplies such as a change of clothes or medications.
9. Talk before the holiday or special event.
*If family members and friends do not already know you are caring for a loved one, let them know before a holiday gathering.
*Send a simple note with your holiday cards or invitations. Or take a moment to call or email.
*Tell friends and family members what daily life is like and how they can help.
10. Share your wish list.
*Holidays can be a good time to ask for help.
*Let others know what you need. Be creative. Consider asking for a few hours away from caregiving, help with home chores or even a special treat for yourself.
To find this information and other resources for older adults and caregivers, visit the Eldercare Locator at
www.eldercare.gov on the internet. Or contact us here at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, call (225)334-7494.
Ed Picard, Respite Center Coordinator
Charlie’s Place Respite Center
Balancing Safety and Independent Living
If you care for a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia, it can be difficult to decide whether they can stay at home alone. If the person does stay by themselves for any length of time, a delicate balance is required between this person’s independence and the safety precautions that must be incorporated into living arrangements. However, before changes are made, caregivers first need to evaluate how well the individual with dementia can handle daily tasks of living. It is important to directly observe the person performing these routine activities.
Use the following questions to help determine how well the person with dementia is functioning.
These questions can also help you to identify safety concerns and/or potential hazards.
Safety Questions
(Decide “yes” or “no” for each of the following questions that pertains to your loved one.)
Having driving accidents, even minor ones?
Getting lost driving or walking?
Burning pots on the stove or forgetting to turn off the burners?
Letting strangers into the house or often locking him/herself out?
Demonstrating mood swings and suspicious paranoid behavior?
At risk of injury from falls?
Personal care Questions
Eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids?
Dresses appropriately for the weather?
Bathes and uses the toilet when needed?
Other tasks:
Keeping up with housekeeping duties?
Shopping for, storing and preparing food correctly?
Taking medication on time with the correct dosages?
Reciting his/her current address and phone number?
This list of questions is not exhaustive, but it can be used as a great start for assessing the needs for more supervision, support, or changes in living arrangements. For more information, or to receive a checklist by mail or email, please call (225) 334-7494 or email programs@alzbr.org.
Rashida Keith, Program Coordinator
Use the following questions to help determine how well the person with dementia is functioning.
These questions can also help you to identify safety concerns and/or potential hazards.
Safety Questions
(Decide “yes” or “no” for each of the following questions that pertains to your loved one.)
Having driving accidents, even minor ones?
Getting lost driving or walking?
Burning pots on the stove or forgetting to turn off the burners?
Letting strangers into the house or often locking him/herself out?
Demonstrating mood swings and suspicious paranoid behavior?
At risk of injury from falls?
Personal care Questions
Eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids?
Dresses appropriately for the weather?
Bathes and uses the toilet when needed?
Other tasks:
Keeping up with housekeeping duties?
Shopping for, storing and preparing food correctly?
Taking medication on time with the correct dosages?
Reciting his/her current address and phone number?
This list of questions is not exhaustive, but it can be used as a great start for assessing the needs for more supervision, support, or changes in living arrangements. For more information, or to receive a checklist by mail or email, please call (225) 334-7494 or email programs@alzbr.org.
Rashida Keith, Program Coordinator
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Of Faces, Traces and Love
It has been an unexplainable experience accompanying photographers who are taking pictures of caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. I am so appreciative to Aaron Hogan and Tate Tullier, professional photographers who have assisted us in this new project. And, photos that are being submitted for the video display are equally amazing.
“The Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit is shaping up to be one of our organization’s most memorable highlighted events in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November. I don’t think the Shaw Center for the Arts has ever had such a display of expression, a display of stories told and untold, a display of the journey of Alzheimer’s disease. In the faces, the eyes, the movement…..there are traces of a life there, traces of things far unknown to us, traces of joy and laughter, of childlike inhibitions, traces of reality, endings and beginnings.
Beginning November 2nd through the end of the month, I invite you to visit the Shaw Center for the Arts and view this special Exhibit. If “love” could ever be photographed, it is thriving in the photo displays, the caring of spouses, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, and/or friends.
And though we can’t be immunized against this disease called Alzheimer’s, I hope through this Exhibit that you will begin to lose the “Label” of the disease, that you can look beyond and see the true “faces,” the faces that count, the faces that can have a sustainable quality of life, and even through the reality of this devastating brain disorder, that you will come to understand and see the hope in all of them, and the hope for all of us.
Maya Angelou once wrote, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.”
Viewing the “Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit, I know you will see each face, appreciate a trace of each story, and come to know and understand the root of care for that “Face of Alzheimer’s” is just love, and that love brings forth our hopes.--Dana Territo, Director of Services
“The Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit is shaping up to be one of our organization’s most memorable highlighted events in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November. I don’t think the Shaw Center for the Arts has ever had such a display of expression, a display of stories told and untold, a display of the journey of Alzheimer’s disease. In the faces, the eyes, the movement…..there are traces of a life there, traces of things far unknown to us, traces of joy and laughter, of childlike inhibitions, traces of reality, endings and beginnings.
Beginning November 2nd through the end of the month, I invite you to visit the Shaw Center for the Arts and view this special Exhibit. If “love” could ever be photographed, it is thriving in the photo displays, the caring of spouses, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, and/or friends.
And though we can’t be immunized against this disease called Alzheimer’s, I hope through this Exhibit that you will begin to lose the “Label” of the disease, that you can look beyond and see the true “faces,” the faces that count, the faces that can have a sustainable quality of life, and even through the reality of this devastating brain disorder, that you will come to understand and see the hope in all of them, and the hope for all of us.
Maya Angelou once wrote, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.”
Viewing the “Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit, I know you will see each face, appreciate a trace of each story, and come to know and understand the root of care for that “Face of Alzheimer’s” is just love, and that love brings forth our hopes.--Dana Territo, Director of Services
Weather Monitoring with Alzheimer's Patients
Many Alzheimer’s patients had jobs related to the weather or simply have always had an interest in the weather. An easy-to-read outdoor thermometer, an indoor barometer, a rain gauge, and the newspaper and/or weather channel are the only supplies needed for monitoring the weather with the Alzheimer’s patient. Checking these items at the same time every day can become a part of the daily routine that Alzheimer’s patients find comforting. The caregiver can encourage as much discussion as is appropriate for the patient. The weather can also be a positive distraction if the patient seems to be agitated. It is important, however, to avoid discussing any weather events, past or present, that could cause fear or anxiety.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Caregivers & Respite Care: Everyone Needs A Break
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, you know that caregiving is a hard job. All caregivers need a break at times. Respite care can help.
What is respite care?
*Respite care is temporary care. It gives caregivers rest & relief.
*Respite care can be at home or outside the home. It can be for a few hours or all day. It can be occasional or ongoing.
Respite care relieves burnout.
*Caregivers can become weary and tired—in other words, burned out.
*Being burned out can be bad for your health. Your eating & sleeping may suffer. You may become depressed. You may drink too much.
*Caregivers become so tired or stressed that they cannot provide enough care (neglect) or cause harm (abuse).
Respite care will help you—and the person you are caring for.
*When caregivers are rested, they are able to provide better care.
*Respite care can help you feel better. You will be protecting your health.
*Even a few hours or an occasional break can make a big difference.
Charlie’s Place Respite Center can provide you with that respite care.
Charlie’s Place offers your loved one physical activities and exercise, therapeutic activities utilizing pets, cooking, music, arts/crafts, gardening, social interaction with peers, games requiring mental participation & concentration, and a hot lunchtime meal & snacks that provide healthful nourishment & frequent hydration.
For more information or a tour, you can contact us at (225) 334-7494.
Ed Picard, Respite Center Coordinator
What is respite care?
*Respite care is temporary care. It gives caregivers rest & relief.
*Respite care can be at home or outside the home. It can be for a few hours or all day. It can be occasional or ongoing.
Respite care relieves burnout.
*Caregivers can become weary and tired—in other words, burned out.
*Being burned out can be bad for your health. Your eating & sleeping may suffer. You may become depressed. You may drink too much.
*Caregivers become so tired or stressed that they cannot provide enough care (neglect) or cause harm (abuse).
Respite care will help you—and the person you are caring for.
*When caregivers are rested, they are able to provide better care.
*Respite care can help you feel better. You will be protecting your health.
*Even a few hours or an occasional break can make a big difference.
Charlie’s Place Respite Center can provide you with that respite care.
Charlie’s Place offers your loved one physical activities and exercise, therapeutic activities utilizing pets, cooking, music, arts/crafts, gardening, social interaction with peers, games requiring mental participation & concentration, and a hot lunchtime meal & snacks that provide healthful nourishment & frequent hydration.
For more information or a tour, you can contact us at (225) 334-7494.
Ed Picard, Respite Center Coordinator
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