The Caregiver Connection is a free publication of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. If you would like to subscribe, update, or cancel your e-subscription, you may do so online at http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/subscribe/caregiver. To read past editions of Caregiver Connection, view the online archives. ___________________________
Stories in this Issue: __________________________
The Johns Hopkins Memory & Alzheimer’s Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview provides treatment and diagnosis by a multidisciplinary team. The Memory Center serves as a resource of information and support for caregivers, and offers access to clinical trials conducting research on therapies for Alzheimer’s and related conditions. The Memory Center offers these tips for the caregiver: Educate yourself, your friends and family about the disease. Determine your loved one’s needs and create a care plan, with the help of a medical professional. Be prepared financially and legally. Join a support group to connect with others having the same experience. Take time to care for yourself—exercise daily, eat right, get enough sleep and attend regular primary care check-ups. Learn caregiving skills, such as medication oversight and activities. Make sure you understand your loved one’s health conditions. Maintain open communication with your loved one’s physician about his or her health care.
To access The Johns Hopkins Memory Center caregiver resources, call 410-550-9031. Back to top ____________________________
In recognition and support of those who give care, the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) is collaborating with Intel Corporation on www.ConnectingforCare.com a web site and online social network designed to connect all caregivers including family caregivers, nurses, social workers and others. Share resources and caregiving tips Find support Participate in interactive forums Build a personal profile Find information on a range of chronic diseases and conditions.
Back to top ____________________________
BOOMERANG™ is an essential resource event for Baby Boomers. Saturday, May 16 from 9 to 4 at the Athletic and Wellness Center, CCBC Catonsville Hourly seminars, exhibits, and demonstrations on: BOOMERANG™ is presented by Baltimore County Department of Aging, the Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville, Medi-CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. For more information, call 410-887-2594 or visit www.seniorexpoonline.com/. Back to top
___________________________
It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when suffering with joint pain, but physical activity is actually a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis. A 2008 study published in Arthritis Care and Research journal concluded that regular exercise, specifically the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (formerly known as PACE People with Arthritis Can Exercise), is an effective course in significantly improving and managing arthritis pain. “Many people believe the myth that exercise exacerbates their symptoms. The truth revealed in the study is that symptoms improved with exercise,” stated author of the study Leigh Callahan, Ph.D., Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Exercising for joint health is different than exercising for cardio health. People living with arthritis don’t have to sweat to achieve success. The basic eight-week Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program consists of low-impact routines with gentle range-of-motion movements that can be done while sitting or standing. “Even minor lifestyle changes like taking a 10-minute walk three times a day can reduce the impact of arthritis on a person’s daily activities and help to prevent developing more painful arthritis,” explains Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation. “Physical activity can actually reduce pain naturally and decrease dependence on pain medications.” Learn more about The Arthritis Foundation by calling the Maryland Chapter at 800-365-3811 and on the web at www.arthritis.org. Edited and used with permission. Back to top
___________________________
How well you are holding up to the added stress of providing care for someone else? This short quiz may give you an idea. For each question, numerically score using this scale: 0 points if your answer is “Never”. 1 point if your answer is “Sometimes”. 2 points if your answer is “Usually”. 3 points if your answer is “Almost Always”.
Questions: I can’t get enough sleep. I have conflicts with other family members. I feel anxious. I feel like I have no time for myself. I worry that I am not doing a good job as a caregiver. I feel depressed, trapped or resentful.
Total your numerical score. Use the chart below. 0 – 7 total points: You are managing fairly well. 8 – 12 total points: It’s time to consider some additional support. 13 or more points: You are already experiencing a degree of “burnout”.
Although far from scientific, this quiz may help you focus on how you are managing the pressures associated with taking care of an older family member or other loved one. Caregiver Stress Quiz from www.ivoryhouse.net. Back to top
___________________________
Today’s world offers many opportunities to improve your health and well being through medical advances and access to information through the internet. Throughout 2009, Baltimore County Department of Aging is offering 12 topics in all 19 senior centers to show how to optimize your quality of life and thus extend life’s warranty. Upcoming topics include: April is “Heart Lessons, Stroke Prevention and Leg Pain” by Union Memorial Hospital. May is “Bone Density Screening” by Erickson Retirement Community. June is “Communicating Effectively With Your Doctor” by Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, MD.
All presentations are open to the public and free of charge. For more information and a schedule, call Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594. Back to top __________________________
The “Living Well…Take Charge of Your Health” Program is being offered free of charge by the Baltimore County Department of Aging in partnership through a state grant with the Maryland Department of Aging. It is a series of workshops for people with chronic conditions modeled after the Chronic Disease Self Management Program from Stanford University. The course helps people over age 18 years of age with diagnosed or self-diagnosed chronic conditions to learn skills to manage their symptoms and get the most out of their life. Examples of some chronic diseases are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and lung disease. The Self-Management Workshop is also beneficial to caregivers. Topics covered in the course include: Medications Nutrition Exercise Frustration Healthcare communication Future planning Relaxation methods
“Living Well…Take Charge of Your Health” workshops run for 2 ½ hours, once a week, for seven weeks which includes registration. Two trained lay leaders who also live with a chronic condition facilitate the sessions. Sessions will be offered at various locations throughout Baltimore County. For more information and a schedule of 2009 courses, or to register as a participant, contact Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594. Back to top _________________________ Revised July 7, 2009 | 
Courthouse 