Because I Care Resource Fair - San Marcos, CA - Sept. 6, 2008

If you're in the San Marcos, CA area, this resource Fair may be of interest!:

**************************************************************
In 2003, Sharon Hamill, a professor of psychology at Cal State San Marcos, had a one-day event on campus for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Since then, the fair's scope has become broader to include other conditions such as stroke and diabetes.

“We found there was a need to expand the focus,” Hamill said. This year, the university has partnered with the city of San Marcos to combine Because I Care with the city's annual health fair. There will be 20 workshops on aging, family caregiving and living healthy lives.

DETAILS
Because I Care Resource Fair

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6
Where: San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave., San Marcos
Cost: FREE!!!!

Information: (760) 744-5535; www.csusm.edu/becauseicare
**************************************************************

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Medications in Disaster And Hurricane Situations

With Hurricane season in full swing, this article from the Florida Department of Health is a great checklist of what meds to have ready to go in an emergency.

"In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home and regular services may be temporarily limited. To ensure that you are able to continue taking your medications under such circumstances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends that you plan now by taking the following measures:

o Call your doctor now and request a 30-day supply of medication if possible.

o Get a pill organizer and pack enough pills for two weeks. Get assistance from your caregiver or medical professional in making sure you have packed enough of the medications you will need.

o Make a list of all your medications: how they should be taken, what time, etc. Make copies of the list. Put one copy with the medications; give one to a friend, and keep one with you at all times. Make sure to list any allergies, as well as foods you need to avoid. Your doctor’s name and emergency phone number should also be on this list. Your medical professional or caregiver should be able to assist you in this.

o Pack your medications now to have ready to carry with you at a moment’s notice.

o If you are taking prescription narcotic pain medications, keep them with you at all times.

o If you are on a special diet or require special supplements, take a two-week supply with you.

o Over the counter items that you should also bring with you: Pain reliever/ Ibuprofen, antacid, laxative/suppository, Imodium, Benadryl, decongestant, antibiotic ointment, lubricating eye drops.

o If you are using respiratory medications with a nebulizer, bring it with you."

A link to this article is online here

Stay Safe!

Spa Offers Support For Caregivers

If you're in North Illinois, check out this opportunity to gather information and pamper yourself a bit!

"Caring for a loved one can not only be a physical challenge for some, but for others stressful as well. And as family members strive to provide quality care for their loved ones, they may find themselves overwhelmed, stressed and frustrated.

Educating family caregivers and helping them maintain their own health as they care for others is the focus behind the sixth annual Spa for the Caregiver’s Spirit on Sept. 11, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 19479 North Illinois 37, according to caregiver advisor Darcy Markwell."

To register for the Spa for the Caregiver’s Spirit, or for more information, you may contact Darcy Markwell at (888) 560-8805, Ext. 1062.

2008 National Caregivers Conference

The 2008 National Caregivers Conference has been scheduled!

When: Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Where: Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center Formerly the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place, Iselin, New Jersey

From the website:
Our conference will concentrate on the critical importance of caregivers. This year, we are coordinating a conference that will direct caregivers towards information on easily accessible, cost effective supports to all populations, regardless of age or disability. Knowledge of available resources can help to alleviate the stress associated with caregiving, sustain families and marriages, improve caregivers’ health and well being, reduce the risk of abuse and neglect, and minimize or delay the need for more costly out-of-home placement.

Info & Registration info here: http://www.nationalcaregiversconference.com/

Change of focus of this blog

Hi All!
Well, it has been a while, and I want to apologize, but I hope to do better.

I have decided to change the focus of this blog a bit.

While I'll probably still use it to "vent" a bit ;-) I'm also going to try & make it a source of general Family Caregiving info & links that you can use right away.

So look for some links & info to be coming your way more frequently!

Have a great day!

Peace!

Liz