February 2012

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EDUCATION

• Memory Screenings (by appt. only)
  Wednesday, February 1; 10 am-12 pm
  Memory screenings make sense for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. Memory Screenings will be administered by Debbie Speciner, Case Manager from S+AGE.
  
  
• Ask the Experts: “Pain Management in the Elderly”
  Thursday, February 16, 6-7:30 pm
  We can all agree that we do not want our loved one or ourselves to live or die in pain. Isaac Hernandez Vielma, MD, Associate Medical Director of Palliative Care for the Jewish Home for the Aging and Skirball Hospice and Palliative Care will review some myths and clarify misconceptions about pain management so you can be the best advocate for your loved one.
  
  
• Lunch N’ Learn: “Cognitive Decline and Medication Management”
  Wednesday, February 22; 12:30-2 pm
  This presentation will be an overview of drug use in behavioral management associated with progressive cognitive decline. Lydia Yankey, PharmD, Pharmacist in ambulatory care at the VA, and trained in geriatrics pharmacy with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, will help caregivers sift through issues caused by polypharmacy. She will also provide general information on the pharmacist's role in routine evaluation of medication regimens.
  Lunch hosted by 24Hr HomeCare.
  
  
• Live It Up! 10 Ways to Share Joy in dealing with Alzheimer’s
  Wednesday, February 22, 5-6 pm
  Many times, caregiving can be seen as a burden…we try to bring in a new perspective. Join David Lazaroff, Author of “Live It Up! 10 Ways to Share Joy When Your Friend has Alzheimer’s” and Coach to Family and Friends of Persons with Alzheimer’s will be sharing/leading a discussing on how to find the value.
  

EMPOWERMENT

• Young Adult Support Group - (Leeza's Place at Olympia Medical Center)
  Wednesday, February 1st 7 - 8:30 pm
  This support group was created for family caregivers in their 20’s and 30’s. The Group will be lead by therapist, Chad Schwartzman and co-facilitated by Yael Wyte, Leeza’s Place at Olympia Hospital or Stefanie Elkins. Every month the group will switch host sites between Leeza’s Place in Sherman Oaks or Leeza’s Place at Olympia Medical Center.
  
  
• Caregiver to Caregiver Support Group/Respite*
  Tuesday, February 7, 21; 6-7:30 pm Facilitator: Noma Kaz
  Wednesday, February 8, 22; 10:30 am-12 pm Co-Facilitator: Leta Nadler/Sandy Kessler Wednesday, February 8, 22; 6-7:30 pm Facilitator: Anatt Orr-Frankel
  Thursday, February 9, 23; 6:15-7:45 pm Facilitator: Dorothy Fried
  Wednesday, February 15; 10:30 am-12 pm (1x) Facilitator: Liz Stratton
  

  * Please call Circle of Care Leeza’s Place before attending Support Group.
  Circle of Care Leeza’s Place offers a support group for caregivers caring for someone with memory loss. You are welcome to join us for a time of education, support and friendship. Activities for your loved one is provided at Circle of Care Leeza’s Place during the caregiver support group, so please come for a time of respite, learning and encouragement. Support Group Facilitators: Noma Kaz, Co-Founder or Lifeline Companion Services who enjoys working with adults, families and the senior population. Leta Nadler and Sandy Kessler are both Human Services Paraprofessional trained at the Wagner Program at American Jewish University. Dorothy Fried & Anatt Orr Frankel are Geriatric Care Manager with both of their own practice in the San Fernando Valley & Liz Stratton who has been an eldercare professional that specialized in working with caregivers, hospice and bereavement.

• Caregiver Bereavement Support Group
  Tuesday, February 7, 21, 3-4:30 pm
  Are you in need of a little support and direction? This on-going group is to assist caregivers through the bereavement process. Support group will be led by Marjorie Clark-Dunn, M.Div., and Bereavement Services Manager for VITAS Hospice.
  
  
• Early Memory Loss Support Group
  Thursday, February 9, 23; 10:30 am-12 pm
  *Please call Circle of Care Leeza’s Place before attending the Early Memory Support Group.
  This is a support group for those that are recently diagnosed with any memory impairment (i.e. mild cognitive impairments, dementia, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, stroke, etc…) Acknowledgement of having a memory loss can bring up many feelings and is a time where many changes occur. We wanted to provide a space where individuals can speak freely about what is going on in their lives. Joy Fruth is the support group facilitator and has years of experience working with seniors and their families.
  
  
• Preserving memories through Autobiographical Scrapbooking
  Friday, February 3, 10, 17, 24; 10am-12pm
  Circle of Care Leeza’s Place is pleased to offer an on-going Scrapbooking Workshop for the caregiver and their recently diagnosed loved one. Each workshop is designed to: Henia Burgess & Holly Tyrer are our scrapbook divas will assist participants how to use materials in an artistic way providing an enjoyable opportunity for families to relive cherished memories.
  
  
• Caregiver Education “Cuidando con Respeto” (in Spanish)
  Saturday, February 11, 25; 10:30am-2:30pm
  Vengan a nuestro “Grupo de Apoyo” donde, en un ambiente seguro y confidencial, los cuidadores primarios pueden aprender: a compartir estrategias, recursos, y experiencias, a entender los comportamientos difíciles y aprender como a manejar el estrés.
  
  
• Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Information Group
  Tuesday, February 28; 3-4:30 pm
  Group is hosted in collaboration with American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) and facilitated by John Mason from BrightStar Homecare.
  
  

ENERGY

• Memory Fitness
  Monday, February 6, 13, 20, 27; 1:30-3:30 pm
  This interactive program will provide insight into the memory process while providing tools and strategies for memory retention. It will be fun!!! Bernadette Haderlein is a former music therapist and is a credentialed teacher in the adult education division of LAUSD Class is at capacity.
  
  
• Tone-Up Tuesdays
  Tuesday, February 7, 14, 21, 28
  IRMA NUNEZ has been a Credentialed Teacher in Physical Fitness and Fine & Applied Art has created an unique original programs for family caregivers or for individuals with MCI or recently diagnosed that can participate on their own.

Both classes are designed to build, maintain & enhance strength and stamina, muscle tone, flexibility and range of motion, and coordination and balance while utilizing the power of the breath to revitalize the body, mind & spirit.

11 am - 12:30 pm: Basic Fitness/Exercise Class
• Come participate in safe sitting and standing Chair Exercises to smoothing, uplifting and energizing music. Modified movements and postures will incorporate basic Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Line Dance, and Salsa.
• This class is for beginners and individuals of all ability levels.

1 pm - 2 pm: Beginner/Intermediate Qi Gong and Tai Chi Class
• This class consists of Standing Forms to build strength and stamina, develop coordination and balance, increase flexibility and range of motion, while enhancing and revitalizing the spirit.
• This class is designed for family caregivers or for individuals with MCI or recently diagnosed that can participate on their own.

• Tea Party & Scrapbooking & Senior Resource Event
  February 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm
  at Michaels Craft Store - 17230 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316

  Come enjoy an afternoon of tea and crumpets (and other nosh foods). Bring your loose photos and transform them into beautiful legacies to share with friends and families. Do you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s? Come make a keepsake shadow box for them. You will be able to enjoy delicious foods, music by Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, and use all Michaels scrapbooking tools for free. Michaels will also provide a scrapbook teacher to show you techniques to inspire your creativity. ONLY 20 spots are available so an RSVP is required. Call Lin Hammer at 818-588-5147, linh@aplaceformom.com

• “Savvy Caregiver” Workshop at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center!
  Tuesdays February 7, 14, 21, 28,
  and March 6, & 13
  from 1pm to 3pm

  Fee is $15 for 6 workshops.
  Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, Dining Center – 5056 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

This Savvy Caregiver program is designed to train family and professional caregivers in the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to handle the challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and to be an effective caregiver. Topics include: acknowledging the disease, making the cognitive shift, developing emotional tolerance, taking control, and establishing a realistic care goal. The classes take place once a week for 6 weeks and last about 2 hours. Fee is $15 for 6 workshops. To sign up, contact Judy Oberg at 818-981-1284, ext. 237.