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
HEALTH FIRST LEEZA’S PLACE ~ a place for caregivers ~ …an intimate and safe setting where caregivers and loved ones can gather to prepare themselves for the challenging journey ahead. Leeza’s Place is a multifaceted reprieve, for both caregivers and loved ones, that integrates educational programs, connective social activities, and emotional support designed to help families navigate through their community’s continuum of care. Health First Leeza’s Place was designed to ensure that families would have access to new, supportive settings created for the purpose of *educating, empowering andenergizing.*** Please call Joyce Kennedy, Leeza Care Advocate, or Sue Coates, Advocate Assistant, for more information. 321-951-7118.
JULY 2009 Download Calendar of Events >> SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL & SUPPORT PROGRAMS *As a courtesy to our guest presenters and instructors, please RSVP at 951-7118, or in person at Leeza’s Place. Thank You!* J July 3 (Friday) Leeza’s Place will be closed to celebrate Independence Day. Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!! J July 7 (Tuesday) 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm E.A.S.E. “Alumni” Support Group (For participants of our Early Alzheimer Support and Education Classes). Please call 768-9575 for information. July 8 & 22 (Wednesday) 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Gerda Murphy, LCSW, with Hospice of Health First, holds a bi-weekly Bereavement Support Group at Leeza’s Place designed to assist caregivers experiencing the loss of a loved one. In a caring and supportive environment, caregivers will be given the opportunity to share thoughts, feelings and experiences and will be assisted in their efforts to develop coping skills to understand the grieving process and to develop a support network. July 15 (Wednesday) 11:00 a.m. Lynda Wilson, Seniors at Lunch Liaison, Community Services Council to present, “Survival In a Suitcase.” Lynda’s “Humorous Hurricane Tips” will help you with hurricane preparedness or for any evacuation situation. Whether you have to evacuate during a storm, or you can remain in your own home, you won’t want to miss this informative and entertaining presentation! Forms for Special Needs Shelters will be available as well as information on transportation provided to Special Needs Shelters. Please RSVP ~ a “safe harbor” luncheon will follow Lynda’s presentation. PLEASE RSVP AT 951-7118 July 15 (Wednesday) 11:00 a.m. Stacey Westphal, RN, MS, CEN, Health First Stroke Center Coordinator, facilitator of the Stroke Support Group for caregivers and stroke survivors. Stacey’s group includes guest speakers who specialize in Neurology, Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. In addition, physical and occupational therapists specializing in stroke rehabilitation and recovery will be invited to speak. RSVP 951-7118 July 21 (Tuesday) 11:30 a.m. Warren Wnek, Certified Senior Advisor, VanDyk Mortgage Corporation Why do so many seniors take advantage of the government insured program – Reverse Mortgages? Join us for, “The Facts About Reverse Mortgages” ~ Is it the right program for your situation? RSVP 951-7118 July 22 (Wednesday) 10:30 a.m. William A. Johnson, P.A., Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, will discuss 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. RSVP 951-7118. July 28 (Tuesday) 10:30 a.m. “Ask Rochelle”- 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 ~ joins our Tuesday Support Group to answer your questions on caring for someone with memory loss. Everyone is invited! Rochelle is a certified Alzheimer’s Disease Education Trainer and welcomes your questions to assist you in understanding memory disorders and devising successful care and behavior management techniques for your loved ones. Bring your questions, fears, challenges, etc. to our “Ask Rochelle” support session on Tuesday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m.! ONGOING PROGRAMS Educational Seminars (Listed under “Special Educational and Support Programs” for the month of July – previous pages) PRESERVING MEMORIES WORKSHOP Building and Preserving Family Memories through Scrapbooking Led by Nancy Grabenhorst, Elaine Herron, Tina Goode and Sue Coates Health First Leeza’s Place is pleased to offer an ongoing Scrapbooking Workshop for caregivers and their loved ones. Each workshop is designed to express creativity and build Family Memory Books. Our instructors teach participants how to use materials in an artistic way providing an enjoyable opportunity for families to relive cherished memories. Participants may attend classes on an ongoing, or drop-in basis. Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS “Caregiver to Caregiver” (Tuesday) - Leeza’s Place Support Group Led by Joyce Kennedy, Leeza Care Advocate, Leeza’s Place Our Tuesday morning support group for caregivers caring for someone with memory loss focuses on finding a path to resilient living through EDUCATION* (gaining the tools to cope) EMPOWERMENT* *(taking action- “Action is the antidote to despair.”) and ENERGY (reaping the rewardsà reducing anxiety with information, encouragement and camaraderie!) Please join us each week for a time of sharing, guidance, friendship and support! Respite Care for your loved one is provided by our Leeza’s Place volunteers. Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28; 10:30 am to 11:30 am “Empowered Caregivers” (Thursday) - Support Group** Led by Meg Rayder, MSW, Social Worker, Health First Aging Institute, This “Empowered Caregivers” Support 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 loved one is provided by our volunteers at Leeza's Place during the caregiver support group. Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; 11:00 a.m. to Noon E.A.S.E. Alumni Support Groups for caregivers and their loved ones Support Groups for graduates of the previous E.A.S.E.classes which are designed to meet the needs of both the patient and the caregiver. Please call 768-9575 for information. Tuesday, July 7; 1:30 to 2:30 pm HEALTH AND WELLNESS Joe Cataldo’s “Sit and Fit” exercise class Led by volunteer instructor, Joe Cataldo, Certified Fitness Instructor, Certified in Balance and Stability for individuals over 50 and American Red Cross, CPR and First Aid- THE FOUNTAINS Senior Living Community Please join us for our weekly fitness class especially for caregivers and their loved ones. This dynamic fitness program is designed to increase strength and improve flexibility while enhancing balance and reducing falls. Our fun, friendly environment incorporates and encourages socialization and exercise. Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Memory Media Center - Please take advantage of our Leeza’s Place Library! Leeza’s Place is a community-based education and resource center designed to provide the most current information about Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders. The Memory Media Center includes literature, videos, DVD’s, books and computer stations providing internet access. Our visitors may view materials at our location in Melbourne, or check them out to review at home. Several new books have been added to our collection. Hospice of Health First Please call 952-0494 for more information on the “award winning” Hospice Team of Health First. *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 Leeza’s Place at 951-7118 for more information. For information regarding the Health First Bright Star* program for grieving children and their families, please call 733-7672. 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 -868-5809 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. HEALTH FIRST DEMENTIA SPECIFIC CARE RESOURCES East Central Florida Memory Clinic, 3661 South Babcock Street, 2nd floor, Melbourne, Fl 32901 Collaborative effort with Florida Institute of Technology and funded by the state of Florida to provide memory screenings, caregiver education, and professional education on memory loss. Memory screening, diagnosis and treatment are the most important aspects of living successfully with a memory disorder. Call 768-9575 for Memory Screening or dementia education. Health First Aging Institute (Two locations, Merritt Island and Melbourne) Medical Director, Rosemary Laird, MD, Geriatrics, call 727-9764 3661 South Babcock Street, 2nd floor, Melbourne, Dr. Visa call 727-3370 220 S. Courtenay Parkway, Suite B, Merritt Island, call 868-5815 The Health First Aging Institute, a comprehensive patient-centered resource, represents a multidisciplinary team approach to elder care. *Both the East Central Florida Memory Clinic and Health First Leeza’s Place are affiliated programs of the Health First Aging Institute.* Need to talk to our Leeza’s Place Social worker? Please call Meg Rayder at 727-3027.