B r a i n B u s i n e s s , J u l y 2 0 1 4
Aging Institute
The East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic is one of 15 state memory clinics funded in
part, through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. For the last 20 years, we have provided
education, support, and memory screens to thousands of people each year.
The following is a description of a few of the educational programs that the Memory Disorder
Clinic offers throughout the year, and at various locations throughout our service area. For
more information or to register for the next class, please contact Lynne Brownrigg by calling
(321) 434-7614, or by emailing her at: [email protected]
Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers An evidence based program developed at the University of Texas- San Antonio which recognizes the
unique stress of caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. This class provides
caregivers with the tools and strategies they need to take care of themselves. This 9 week class is one
(2 hour) day a week and includes education, support, and stress management techniques.
Learning the Ropes, for Living with MCI
Developed in Canada at Baycrest, a leader in providing innovations in aging and brain health, this
program is for someone with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and their partner, to enhance healthy
lifestyle behaviors and to provide strategies to manage change associated with living with a person
experiencing MCI. This is a 6 week class for 1 ½ hours, one day a week.
MindSet In this class, designed for someone with MCI and their partner, participants will learn skills that help
exercise the brain, create healthy habits, and improve communication. It offers an organized approach
to everyday living and provides activities to stimulate memory and thinking. This is a 6 week class,
for 1 ½ hours, one day a week.
Total Memory Workout Memory lapses aren't necessarily a sign of age -- more often they are a sign of the times, as we're all
inundated with important information to remember, from PINs and cell phone numbers to children's
schedules and crucial business facts. Developed by Dr. Cynthia R. Green, this 6 week class, one day a
week for 1 ½ hours, is for the cognitively well senior who is looking to enhance their memory fitness.
MAP ( Memory and Aging Program) Another education and intervention program from Baycrest for older adults who are experiencing
normal age-related memory changes. Participants will gain a better understanding of how memory
works, and tools to better manage their memory function. This 5 week class will be held one day a
week for 1 ½ hours.
Understanding Delirium in the
Hospital
Delirium is a severe state of confusion where
people cannot think clearly, have trouble paying
attention, have a hard time understanding what is
going on around them and may see or hear things
that are not really there. Delirium is different
from dementia. Dementia is changes in memory
and thinking that generally occur gradually over
months or years. Delirium comes on suddenly, in
hours or days. Dementia is usually a permanent
and progressive condition. Delirium usually
clears up after a few days or a week.
Who gets Delirium?
Persons with dementia have a higher risk of
getting delirium in the hospital, especially after
surgery or if an infection is present.
Signs of Delirium
Persons with delirium often become agitated.
They may pull at tubes and may not cooperate
with care. They may not be able to pay attention
or follow instructions. They may become
confused about where they are and may not
recognize family or friends.
What to Do
If your loved one has to have surgery, be
prepared to be with them afterwards to comfort
and reassure them. Talk to medical staff
immediately if they are not acting normally.
Catching signs of delirium early can lead to
better treatment and safer outcomes. Make sure
that your loved one has glasses and hearing aids
that make interacting with others easier. Speak
softly and reassure them that they are safe and
that you will stay with them. We cannot predict
who will develop delirium, but catching
symptoms early helps reduce duration and makes
for safer outcomes.
Important Caregiver Survey
In 2013 the Florida legislature established the
Purple Ribbon Task Force. The Taskforce was
asked to develop a comprehensive state plan to
address the needs of individuals with
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and
their caregivers. One of the recommendations
from the Taskforce was that the Department of
Elder Affairs (DOEA) conduct a statewide
survey of caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s
disease and related disorders (ADRD), including
Mild Cognitive Impairment, to get input on the
following:
The status of Florida’s caregivers of
individuals with ADRD & MCI, and their
care recipients,
The types of support available to them, and
The on‐going impact of caregiving
responsibilities.
The State will use this information to better
determine the impacts of services provided and to
identify regions where needs or gaps in services
appear to exist, thus allowing the state to better
target educational activities and resources.
THE SURVEY IS ANONYMOUS.
Please be assured that your responses will be
kept strictly confidential.
This survey may be completed online at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014_ADRD_
Caregiver_Survey
A Spanish version may be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014ADRDSpanish
OR
If you don’t have computer access you may
request a print copy by calling Lynne Brownrigg
at
(321) 434-7614
3661 South Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone (321) 434-7612 http://www.ecfmdc.org
July Educational Classes EASE Alumni: If you’ve attended the EASE series, please come to the monthly EASE Alumni
group meeting offered in Melbourne on Wednesday, July 2nd, from 2:00p.m. -3:30p.m. at the
Center for Family Caregivers on Babcock St.
Stress-Busting Alumni: There will be no meeting in July as it falls on Independence Day! We’ll
see you on Friday, August 1st!
Virtual Dementia Tour: A hands-on experience created for anyone seeking to understand the
physical and mental challenges of those with Alzheimer's and other related dementias.
Wednesday, July 9th
from 3:00pm to 4:30pm at Joe’s Club on Wickham Rd. in Melbourne, you
must call to reserve a space. Call Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: (321) 253-4430.
Osceola Educational Program: Dealing with Behaviors, presented by Pat DeAngelis on Friday,
July 11th
, from 10:30am to 11:30am, prior to support group. Bring a bag lunch and attend both!
Support Groups
Coping with Caregiving - A support group that meets weekly on Wednesdays, from 10:30am
to 11:30am at the Center for Family Caregivers, and focuses on successful strategies for coping
with the concerns, feelings and responsibilities with being a caregiver. Facilitated by Jeanne
Simpson, M.S.W. Respite is not available
Empowered Caregivers Support Group – Meets every Thursday at 11am at the Center for
Family Caregivers and allows caregivers who care for someone with memory loss to share their
journey with those who understand what they’re going through. This group includes group
discussions and education and is facilitated by Nick Wilson, MSW.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group: Meets on the 1st and 3
rd Wednesday (July 2
nd and 16
th )
of every month at 10:30am, at Sunflower House in Merritt Island. Facilitated by Sharon
Ramsey. Respite is not available.
Osceola Family Caregiver Support Group – Meets on the second Friday of each month at
12:00 Noon, at the Osceola Council on Aging, in Kissimmee, FL. This month’s meeting is on
Friday, July 11th. For more information, please call Farah at (321) 434-7612, press 5.
Memory Disorder Clinic 3661 S. Babcock St. (2nd
Floor), Melbourne (321) 434-7612
Center for Family Caregivers 3661 S. Babcock St., Melbourne (321) 434-7625
Sunflower House 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island (321) 452-4341
Joe’s Club 4676 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne (321) 253-4430
Osceola Council on Aging 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee (407) 846-8532
Caregiver Tips on Disaster
Preparedness If you have a disability or special need, you may
have to take additional steps to protect yourself
in an emergency. Here are some practical tips
for those with special needs:
Establish a personal support network.
Post Emergency Instructions on the
refrigerator.
Include medication dosages, necessary
equipment and emergency contacts.
Identify multiple evacuation routes.
Carry emergency health information and
emergency contacts.
Have an alternate means of
communication.
If you are mobility impaired in a high-rise-
rise building, have an escape chair.
If you live in an apartment building, ask
the management to mark accessible exits
clearly.
Keep extra: Oxygen, catheters, medication.
Food for guide dogs or other items you
might need.
Batteries, blankets, cash, medications, non-
perishable foods, water, and a weather
radio.
A Registry of People with Special Needs is
maintained by Brevard County Emergency
Management. If you are unable to respond
independently to an emergency situation and
have no other means of assistance, then you
should register now. Contact Brevard County
Emergency Management, Special Needs
Shelters at 321-637-6670 for the necessary
forms and registration information. General
hurricane shelters can only provide first aid, not
nursing care, medical assistance or supervision.
A caregiver should accompany the special
needs person to the shelter if they need
supervision or assistance.
Numerical Titles Can you fill in the missing number from each of
these song, movie, and book titles?
1. “____ Ways to Leave Your Lover”
2. The House of the _____ Gables
3. A Tale of ____ Cities
4. Around the World in _____ Days
5. __________ Men and a Baby
6. Fahrenheit ____________
7. _____________ Is Enough
8. “____________ Trombones”
9. Ocean’s _____________
10. ______________ Candles
Answers
1. Fifty 6. 451
2. Seven 7. Eight
3. Two 8. Seventy Six
4. Eighty 9. Eleven (or
sequels)
5. Three 10. Sixteen