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Chairman’s Brief
As we approach the giving season, let us consider: How generous are we? As a nation, the U.S. ranks among the highest in the world in giving to help others, and nearly 80% of all gifts are from individuals. While much giving is in response to the devastation caused by natural disasters, many give to equally urgent causes with less of a public face: the mostly private grief of a family who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, or the lonely burden and struggle of the caregiver of an Alzheimer’s sufferer who is physically present but no longer remembers what and where home is, or love, or how to eat or even swallow.
There are other differences between the catastrophe of natural disasters and the tragedy of Alzheimer’s: One day we will prevent Alzheimer’s. One day we will treat Alzheimer’s. One day we will cure Alzheimer’s.
How? By supporting research in the laboratory and the clinic.
Where? Across the state of Florida through the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, and at the Institute itself, the world’s largest freestanding research center dedicated to Alzheimer’s research.
When? Every dollar contributed to research today moves us a step closer to finding answers tomorrow.
Why? In memory of a dear family member or friend. In a fervent desire to keep future generations of loved ones safe. In the immediate urgency of a positive diagnosis. Simply because we care. Because someone we know and trust asks us to help.
It lies within our power, yours and mine, to help fund the way forward against this disease. Please consider a personal or corporate end-of-year gift to the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, and please let us know who else might be passionate about our mission.
- Tom Conklin
Ask A Clinical Social Worker
Question:
How important are family caregivers and how should they take care of themselves?
Answer:
Family caregivers are a valuable resource. They provide over 75% of our long term care services. The personal impact on family caregivers is staggering.
As a loved one’s care needs increase, the caregiver are likely to experience depression and anxiety. They are more likely to suffer with chronic conditions themselves, and may predecease their loved one as a result of this cumulative stress.
It is essential to care for the caregiver, as well as, the person with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Tips for being a healthy Caregiver:
- Exercise your body with simple stretching, chair exercises, walking, swimming, or yoga.
- Exercise your brain by doing crossword puzzles, brain teasers, or trivia.
- Eat a healthy low fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain friendship support networks.
- Attend support groups with other caregivers in similar situations.
- Take advantage of respite time and enjoy meaningful activity.
- Utilize mental health services (talking to a geriatric social worker or mental health specialist).
Nancy Teten, LCSW, CAP can be contacted at (813) 866-1611 or nteten@byrdinstitute.org.
Preserve Memories by Opening Your Heart
Whether it’s enjoying a slice of homemade pumpkin pie, opening presents with friends and family, or blowing noisemakers to welcome another year, the holiday season is filled with memories to cherish.
But for people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, memories are a precious battleground that cannot be taken for granted.
Now is the perfect time to think about how important memories are to you and your loved ones. Open your heart, help protect yourself, your loved ones, and families everywhere with a donation to the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute.
Your generousity supports the work of accomplished scientists, working in a world-class research facility, clinical services, and, of course, real hope for the patients and caregivers living each day.
Please join us in the great spirit of giving this winter. You can be sure your generosity will not be forgotten.
Please go to: donate.byrdinstitute.org.
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