The blog space for Caregiving Northwest, a Lewy Body Dementia Caregiver Support Group. At no time will meeting content be discussed or attendee names revealed.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Change of Seasons.

Greetings to all our visitors and group attendees.  This is just an update on the two groups and what will be happening in the next few months.

The Wallingford, Seattle group is the second Monday morning of each month, from 10-11:30.  Please note there is no group in October as I will be out of town.  The group will continue through the end of the year as it is scheduled and will continue into 2014.

The Everett group takes place the second Friday morning of each month, from 10-11:30.  There is also no group in October.  Group will continue through the end of the year as scheduled, and continue into 2014. 

I hope you all enjoy our lovely Fall season, and I'll be seeing all of you in November.  The LBDA Support line is always available for any questions, problems, or concerns that you may have; call the number and leave a message and a Lewy Buddy (maybe me!) will get back to you as soon as possible.   800-539-9767

Monday, August 26, 2013

Mark Your Calendars!

Well, it's been an absolutely beautiful summer and I hope you all have enjoyed it as I have.

Our Everett group was a success - it was lovely to meet Helen and Jim Whitworth and have them sit in on our group.  The depth of their knowledge and understanding of LBD and the challenges faced by sufferer and caregiver alike is amazing and it was a pleasure to here their perspective.  They are bringing out a new book, the first draft of which I have been honored to read, and I think it is only going to bring more help and information to those who need it most.  I still recommend their first book, A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia, as being the best, most comprehensive guide out there for LBD caregivers.  You can find it at their website, www.LBDtools.com.

Our groups start up again in September, and it will be lovely to see everyone and meet new people.  The Seattle group will be meeting September 9 from 10-11:30.  The Everett group will be meeting September 13 from 10-11:30. 

Please note there will be no groups in October as I will be out of town, but regular groups will resume in November and go throughout this year and the next!

Also, don't forget to mark your calendars and tune in to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Care Connection Teleconference on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET) to hear me speak and/or speak to me!

'This free teleconference is designed for both family caregivers and professional caregivers of individuals with dementia. Joy Walker, hospice worker, bereavement counselor, and author of "Three Years and Thirteen Dumpsters" will discuss "Living Choices at the End of Life." Call toll-free: 877-594-8353. Guest identification number: 46692951#'

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Distinguished Vistors!

Remember that there is no Seattle group in August due to the fact that it is summer and everyone is outside!

We will be having a group in Everett, however, because the Whitworth's of A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia, fame, are visiting us!  We're very excited to be welcoming them back to the Carl Gipson Senior Center and hope everyone can make it.

Please note that the group is Thursday, August 8.

Regular groups commence in September.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Holidaze!

As many of you probably already know, holidays, even relatively smaller ones like Fourth of July, can be really difficult when you are giving care, or have just lost someone you cared for - especially if that holiday was a favorite of the family.

At these times, try, try, try to take extra good care of yourself and be patient with yourself and your care-taker.  Feel the loss of having that person participate in the festivities the way they used to and let it out - maybe with a little discreet crying later on when you're alone.  Disregard other people expectations, needs, or requests that you attend or help out at a function.  Don't be afraid to put yourself first in these situations.

Alternatively, if you crave company, don't isolate yourself by being home alone.  Call a friend, find a family get-together, try to make a connection with someone who cares about you.  You'll be glad you did!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Reminder.



Just a reminder that our next Seattle group is Monday, July 8th, with no group in August.
Our Everett group is Friday, July12th.  
Hope to see you all there!
 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer Time!

We had a great group meeting on Monday - thank you to everyone for coming, and thank you to Xeljka from the American Parkinson's Disease Association, http://www.parkinson.org/community.aspx, for stopping by and sharing her information and lovely smile!

We will be having our July group on the eighth, and would love to see whoever can make it, but there will be no August group.  We will resume normal group time in September.  Everyone is outside in Seattle in the summer since it's the only time we get sun! Nobody wants to be sitting inside, even if it is for group.

I'll keep on posting, however, and I wish great summer weather for you all.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Group Time and a Book Review.

We have our fourth group coming up next Monday the 10th in Seattle, from 10-11:30.  I would love to hear how everyone is doing so I hope you all can find the time to attend!

Our Everett group is next Friday the 14th from 10-11:30 at the Carl Gipson Senior Center - everyone is welcome!

I have a great book for Lewy Body that I finished a few weeks ago that I'm recommending to everyone who is dealing with LBD.  It is called, Living With Lewy's:Empowering Today's Dementia Caregiver, by Amy and Gerald Throop.  It is an informative, fact-filled, comprehensive resource that is great for people who don't have much time.  The sections are clear and straight-forward and can be flipped to quickly if specific information is needed. It is a great resource to keep on hand for quick referral.