Leeza's Place

Joyce Kennedy
Leeza Care Advocate
The HF Leeza’s Place of Melbourne, FL
jkennedy@leezasplace.org

Joyce Kennedy is the Leeza Care Advocate for the Memory Foundation's second Leeza's Place in Melbourne, Florida. An advocate for individuals suffering from the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other debilitating illnesses, she is a true agent for change who combines healthcare and hospital experience with a passion for helping others.

Prior to joining the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, she held the role of Manager Volunteer Services and Patient Care Volunteer Coordinator with Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. More recently, she was granted the opportunity to act as Quality of Life Patient Advocate and Primary Caregiver for an elderly adult who suffered from serious illness and health complications.

In her former positions with Children's National Medical Center, she oversaw day-to-day operations of volunteer services with emphasis on volunteer programming, recruitment, development, public relations/community awareness, supervision and hospital support. During her 5-year tenure with Children's National Medical Center she was responsible for public relations efforts and onsite functions with numerous political figures, foreign and local dignitaries, celebrities and performing artists. During this time, she received the unique honor of being selected to provide a complete hospital public relations tour to Mohammad Ali.

Joyce was pivotal in expanding the hospital's summer college internship program to include year-round admissions, which resulted in volunteer enrollment growth that filled over 100 daytime positions. She marketed the program to colleges and universities to gain approval for academic credit and significantly expanded training programs for volunteers to improve accessibility to the program.

Prior to her career in the healthcare field, Joyce held other notable roles with the Washington Business School in Vienna, Virginia, and as an Elementary Teacher of grades first through third with Montgomery County Public Schools. With the Washington Business School she held several positions which led to her title of Director of Admissions.

A consistent theme that runs throughout Joyce's career is commitment to the community. For the past year she has been Chairwoman, and past two years an active member, of the Health First Women's Healthcare Advisory Council for Holmes Regional Medical Center/Palm Bay Community Hospital. In her roles on the Council, she serves as an ambassador for the women's health services and programs of both hospitals.

She has completed graduated studies toward an MS in Education and holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland. Her formal education is complemented by Home Health Update and Nursing Assistant training with the American Red Cross.


The Health First Leeza's Place of Melbourne, FL
HEALTH FIRST LEEZA’S PLACE 3661 Babcock Street, Melbourne, Fl 32901 T 321.951.7118 F 321.951.7280
Leeza’s Place is “A Place for Caregivers”, a community gathering place and resource center for caregivers impacted by chronic or progressive illness.We support all families by connecting caregivers to one another, and by offering individual guidance, information and referrals, as well as a calendar full of programs designed to Educate, Empower & Energize.
FEBRUARY 2010 Download Calendar of Events >> February 2 (Tuesday) 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Welcome Back E.A.S.E. Alumni ~ Support Group! ~ For caregivers and loved ones, led by Farah Sivolella, Director, East Central Florida Memory Clinic and Sharon Melton, Director of Programs and Services, Alzheimer’s Association February 2, 9, 16 & 23, and March 2 (Tuesdays) 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.A.S.E. Program, Early Alzheimer Support and Education Program ~ A seven-week education and support program for the caregiver and the diagnosed to educate participants about the disease as well as care and treatment options and community resources. Facilitated by Sharon Melton, Director of Programs, Alzheimer’s Association, and Farah Sivolella, Director, East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic Call (321) 768-9575 for screening and registration information. February 5, 12, 19 & 26, and March 5, 12, 19 & 26 (Fridays) 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon “Beyond the Basics: Advanced Specialized Training in Dementia Care”, Led by Pat DeAngelis, R.N., Skills Instructor at Leeza’s Place. This is a 9-module eighteen hour Advanced Caregiving Education Course that is dedicated to the training and education of those caring for individuals with advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia and enhancing the quality of their lives. It is designed to help caregivers learn how to compassionately and safely care for their loved ones by focusing on understanding advancing stages of the disease and the essentials of good home personal and daily care as the disease progresses. Please call 951-7118 to register. February 11 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lori Schuh, MSW, LCSW, CSW-G, Social Worker, Health First Aging Institute, LCSW, to present, “The Top Ten Signs of a Healthy Caregiver: Your healthy body, mind and spirit benefit your loved one as much as they benefit you. How are you making sure to care for yourself?” RSVP 951-7118 Save the Date ~ Tuesday, February 16 ~ 11:45 a.m. (following Support Group) Please join us for our Pot-Luck Valentine’s Day Karaoke Sing-a-long with Alice Guilford on Fat Tuesday! RSVP 951-7118 February 17 (Wednesday) 10:30 a.m. Farah Sivolella, Director, East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic to present, “Next Steps after Diagnosis” ~ A family member just received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and now you are wondering what you need to do next. This class will provide an overview of the next steps on how to move forward after diagnosis. The class is geared for the new family caregiver and is intended to be an hour in length but may vary dependent on discussion/questions from class participants. RSVP 951-7118 February 18 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. “Caring for the Caregiver” Lecture Series with Dr. Rosemary Laird, Medical Director Health First Aging Institute and Co-Author of “Take Your Oxygen First” ~ a caregiver’s handbook on protecting your health and happiness while caring for a loved one with memory loss. Topic #5 in the Series is “Proper Fuel for Caregiving: Nutrition 101”. RSVP 951-7118 February 23 (Tuesday) 10:30 a.m. Our community expert, Rochelle Newman-Baldwin, Executive Director, Clare Bridge Brookdale Senior Living ~ a community dedicated to the special needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia ~ visits Leeza’s Place each month to answer questions or address concerns you may have while caring for a loved one with memory loss. Please join us and tap into the wisdom and expertise of our guest facilitator & “ASK ROCHELLE!” February 23 (Tuesday) 11:30 to Noon “Selecting the Best Day Care Fit for your Loved One” ~ Lynne Mims, SarahCare Melbourne, will discuss what to look for when choosing an Adult Day Center for your loved one. RSVP 951-7118 February 24 (Wednesday) 10:30 a.m. "Estate Planning 101" ~ Dale Dettmer, Attorney with Krasny & Dettmer, P.A. will present basic Estate Planning Information to include fundamentals and documents every estate plan should have. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of Brevard's most well-known Estate Planning Attorneys! RSVP 951-7118. February 24 (Wednesday) 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. *Please note - This event will be held at Buena Vida Estates, 2129 W. New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne.* Senior Wellness Expo, “Ask the Experts” ~ Ralph Vicari, MD, Cardiologist: Rudy Ruiz, MD, Internal Medicine; Meg Rayder, MSW, Social Worker with Health First Aging Institute; and Jennifer McCoach, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and also speak with professionals who specialize in senior services. Heart healthy refreshments, senior service exhibits, and door prizes will be offered. Seating is limited! For more information call (321) 724-0060. February 25 (Thursday) 11:00 a.m. “Have I taken the right steps?” *~ a caregivers legal matters inventory following diagnosis and beyond. David Slonim, Elder Law Attorney with The Slonim Law Firm, P.A.,* joins us to assist you with any legal questions, concerns, or issues that you might have as you assume the role and responsibility of the “Decision-Maker” in the home! Everyone is invited to attend. RSVP 951-7118 February 25 (Thursday) 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. “Selecting the Best Day Care Fit for your Loved One” ~ Lynne Mims, SarahCare Melbourne, will discuss what to look for when choosing an Adult Day Center for your loved one. RSVP 951-7118 ONGOING EDUCATIONAL AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS (check calendar listings, too) “Caregiver to Caregiver” Support Group every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. facilitated by Joyce Kennedy, Leeza Care Advocate, Health First Leeza’s Place ~ for caregivers caring for someone with memory loss. Moving towards resilient living through Education Empowerment Energy Companionship and supervision provided for your loved ones during our Support Group by our Leeza’s Place volunteers. Sit and Fit* (chair-based) Exercise Class for caregivers and loved ones held every Wednesday 2:00 p.m. Led by Joe Cataldo, Certified Fitness Instructor with The Fountains Kisco Senior Living Community. Joe is also certified in balance and stability for individuals over 50 and American Red Cross, CPR and First Aid certified. This dynamic fitness class is designed to increase strength and improve flexibility while enhancing balance and reducing falls and encourages socialization. Survivor Support Services Programs focusing on different stages of the grief process are offered for survivors dealing with the loss of a loved one. Please call (321) 952-0494 for information on the Bereavement Support Groups sponsored by Hospice of Health First. Stroke Support Group the 3rd Wednesday (February 17) of every month at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Led by Stacey Westphal, RN, MS, CEN, Health First Stroke Center Coordinator ~ for caregivers and stroke survivors. “Empowered Caregivers” Support Group every Thursday at 11:00 a.m., led by Meg Rayder, MSW, Social Worker, Health First Aging Institute. Meg’s group allows caregivers caring for someone with memory loss to share the journey with those who understand what they are going through. This group meets once a week and includes group discussions, education, and encouragement. Respite Care for your recently diagnosed loved one is provided by our volunteers at Leeza's Place during Meg’s support group. William A. Johnson, P.A., Elder Law Attorney, will discuss “Medicaid Planning” opportunities available under new Medicaid laws, including legal and financial strategies that can help preserve your assets from nursing home costs even after your loved one has entered a nursing home. Wednesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m. RSVP 951-7118 Making Memories in Melbourne ~ our weekly workshop on Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to assist you in preserving your family history and memories in a social setting with other caregivers and loved ones. Our volunteer instructors, Nancy Graebonhurst and Elaine Herron are on hand each week to help you creatively save those family photos and treasured memories in an artistic and attractive way. HEALTH FIRST DEMENTIA SPECIFIC CARE RESOURCES The Health First Aging Institute, a comprehensive patient-centered resource, represents a multidisciplinary team approach to elder care. With locations on Merritt Island and in Melbourne, the Aging Institute’s healthcare team is directed by Rosemary Laird, MD, a specialty fellowship-trained, board-certified Geriatrician and includes Visa Srinivasan, MD (Dr. Visa), – fellowship-trained, board-certified Geriatrician. Contact numbers for the two locations are: Medical Director, Rosemary Laird, MD, Geriatrics, call 727-9764 Visa Srinivasan, MD Geriatrics, Babcock Center, 3661 South Babcock Street, 2nd floor, Melbourne, 727-3370 And Aging Institute Merritt Island 220 S. Courtenay Parkway, Suite B, Merritt Island, call 868-5815. Health First Leeza’s Place, an affiliated program of the Aging Institute and signature program of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, is an education, resource and support center for caregivers and loved ones facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or other memory disorders ~ offering programs that Educate, Empower and Energize families. For more information, please call 951-7118. East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic, 3661 South Babcock Street, As one of the fifteen state funded memory disorder clinics, the ECFMDC partners with the Health First Aging Institute and Florida Institute of Technology School of Psychology to provide the first step of identifying and evaluating memory loss through a comprehensive medical memory evaluation. Free memory screenings are also available although will not provide a diagnosis. Call 768-9575 to make an appointment. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Keeping Your Loved One Healthy, Safe, and Monitored Health First Home Care-434-7300 Health First Private Duty-868-8310 CST-Critical Signals Technologies-Emergency Medical Alert Systems-868-5809 IndeQuest Nurse Case Management ~ navigating your entire healthcare needs 453-7100 ElderCARE is now available: www.eldercare.health-first.org Eldercare, brought to you by the Health First Aging Institute, is a free online information, referral and care coordination resource for older adults and those who care about them. SAVE THIS MARCH DATE! March 6 (Saturday) 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. Walk Begins The Space Coast Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research – and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Since 1989, the Memory Walk has raised more than $260 million for the cause. Year-round, our participants are involved in efforts to help defeat this devastating disease. The event will be held at the Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Florida. To register to be on our Health First Aging Institute Team , please call Lori Schuh at (321) 868-5815, ext. 3, or you can register online at www.alz.org/memorywalk.