January|February 2014

Best wishes for a wonderful and fulfilling New Year

Looking back at 2013 Last year our sessions covered a whole range of subjects. Our webinar on tax breaks for caregivers generated lots of interest as did our musical reflections and sleep restoration workshops. In May we celebrated Caregiver Week with a drumming workshop, a tasty lunch and some wellness stations. This summer Karyn began the Walk and Talk sessions, giving participants a chance to get outside and enjoy the natural North Shore environment. Whatever the topic, our caregiver sessions were a chance to de-stress, share stories and meet others who understand the caregiving experience. We look forward to a great 2014 and wish you a new year filled with discoveries.

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January|February 2014 Caring for a friend or family member with dementia by Josie Padro Caring for someone with dementia often requires adapting to the physical and cognitive changes that occur over time. Fortunately there are strategies that can help. Communication may be a challenge as people in the later stages of dementia can have difficulty with verbal expression. They may, however, respond to their senses: Touch: simply holding the person’s hand communicates your reassuring presence. Taste: we all have our comfort foods, tastes that bring back happy memories – whether it’s a scoop of ice cream, a bowl of oatmeal, or a serving of macaroni and cheese. Sight: going through photo albums is a good way to re-live family stories. It’s never too late to start a memory book filled with souvenirs, photos and mementos that have meaning for the person being cared for.

heightened confusion or restlessness that occurs in the late afternoon or evening. The Alzheimer’s Reading Room, has a number of suggestions: · Keep the environment well lit to simulate daylight. · Engage the person in a repetitive activity that will keep them busy—folding napkins, stacking mail or winding a ball of wool. · Help them perform tasks they might have done in the past at this time, such as preparing a snack, or setting the table. · If the person needs to pace, ensure there is nothing in they area that they could trip on. You may even pace with them at times to assure them they are not alone. Meal times and nutrition can become disrupted for a number of reasons including sleep disturbances and sun downing. The Family Caregiving Alliance has some helpful suggestions.

· Offer frequent small meals. Sound: music is an especially powerful way · Try serving one food group at a time. to evoke memories and to set the mood. · Check the person is not experiencing pain Soothing music can help with relaxation, from ill-fitting dentures or a sore tooth. while more upbeat music can energize. · Serve soup in a mug. · Create a calm setting for meals. One symptom that can be a special challenge · If the person is having difficulty swallowing, for caregivers is sun downing, a period of continued next page

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine

notify their physician and request a swallowing assessment. You may need to serve minced or puréed foods. Be sure you know the Heimlich manoeuvre.

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Dance of the hummingbird: celebrating the caregiving experience by caregiver Catherine Bryson

Resources Alzheimer Society of Canada www.alzheimer.ca Family Caregivers Alliance www.caregiver.org Alzheimer's’ Reading Room www.alzheimersreadingroom.com Siesta and the Midnight Sun

Inasmuch as my parents age and I age with them, there is always a place I can go that is timeless, ageless, and beautiful. And that is my patio window, where I can watch the flight of birds and especially, the dance of the hummingbird. One time last year, I remember my Dad and I watching the tiny little hummingbird dance. In that moment, in that space between dishes and doctor’s visits and everything else that makes up the fabric of our lives, I was just being, just watching the dance, the dance of life.

Writer Jessa Gamble takes the science of sleep and circadian rhythms and turns them into fascinating reading. This book may be helpful for those of us who have trouble sleeping or who tend to feel blue in winter. Available at some North Shore libraries.

So the hummingbird, to me, has become a symbol of the rich tapestry that is our life, as the threads are interwoven, gold and silver and all the colours. Past, present and future, all fused into one moment, the delicate beat of a hummingbird’s wing.

January/February 2014 Calendar of Events For information and registration on all sessions except the webinar, contact Karyn by email at [email protected] or by phone at 604-982-3320. Discovering Hope: Self-Care for Caregivers

Resiliency, Strength and Tender Spots

This interactive workshop and discussion will explore how feelings of discouragement affect daily life, how hope and personal strength can be cultivated, ways to strengthen your well-being and how to find motivation through difficult times. Wednesday January 22, 1: 30 to 3:30 pm at Summerhill Retirement Residence, 135 15th St, North Vancouver.

Embrace self-acceptance and discover the unique gifts you bring to the caregiver role. Explore ways to say no and let go of guilt. Discover ways to nurture yourself and create balance through mindful practice. Monday, January 13 and 27, 6:30 to 9:00 pm, Room 203 in Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver.

Cultivating Balance

Rejuvenate with a stroll on the Ambleside seawall. Get to know other caregivers and enjoy the fresh air. The walk and talks take place, rain or shine, Tuesday, January 14 and Tuesday, February 18, 1:30 to 3:00 pm. We may shorten the walk to go for coffee on the colder days! Meet at the covered picnic area of John Lawson Park ,off Marine and 17th.

Presented by Catherine Pigeon James Presented by Krista Page-Cowan Recreation facilitator, counsellor and social worker, and Therapist with the Older Adult Mental Health Karyn Davies coordinator of North Shore Team, and Karyn Davies coordinator of North Caregiver Support. Shore Caregiver Support. Tuesday Walk and Talks Join us to explore balance in caregiving: recognizing the importance of your responsibilities and boundaries, ways to honour your strengths and ways to foster your own health and well-being. Thursday, January 30, 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Main floor, Health Centre, 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. The session will be held in English and Farsi. Presented by Katayoun Shirzad, family counsellor, life coach and mediation specialist.

Check out our North Van Caregivers blog northvancaregivers.wordpress.com If you'd like to share a caregiving tip, a thought or anything else, please send it to Josie at [email protected].

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The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine

January 2014 Calendar of Events Sun

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Caregiver Network Groups Network groups provide an opportunity to meet other caregivers who are having similar experiences. Learn how to access health care and community services. Take the time to care for yourself and increase your confidence in your caregiving skills. You are welcome to join us, whether groups are your thing or perhaps not….it may be a pleasant discovery!

The Family Caregivers’ Grapevine

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February 2014 Calendar of Events Sun

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3 Combating Stress 6:308:30 pm

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14 Caregiver Tax Tips 12:00 1:30 pm

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18 Walk and Talk 1:30-3:30

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21 123 Lift 2:00-4:00 pm

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27 Treasure Map 6:008:00 pm

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Combating Stress Learn about ways to pursue growth and resiliency through times of change, how your mind responds to stress, how to connect with your own needs and ways to cope when you feel overwhelmed. Monday, February 3, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, room 203 at Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. Presented by Jeff Ross, a registered clinical counsellor and instructor at Capilano University. In his work, Jeff assists people to make positive change and to reconnect with the people, goals and values that mean the most to them.

January|February 2014

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For information and registration on all sessions except the webinar, contact Karyn by email at [email protected] or by phone at 604-982-3320. Tax Tips for Caregivers

Treasure Map and Vision Board Workshop

Learn to take advantage of all the deductions and credits available to you. That includes how to claim medical expenses for yourself and your dependants, apply for the attendant care expense deduction, and claim disability, medical expense and caregiver tax credits. Friday, February 14, 12:00 to 1:30 pm, room 203, Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. Please register with Karyn.

Join us for a two-part series that will help kick start the new year with a little inspiration.

Part I: Treasure Map/Vision Board "How to do what you love and love what you do" A vision board or treasure map is a visual representation of what you really like, what attracts you and what you want to be, have and do. Thursday, February 27, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the West Vancouver Health Centre, Presented by Gabrielle M. Loren certified general accountant and founding partner with main floor, 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. Loren, Nancke & Company . 123 Lift This practical session will focus on safe body mechanics that protect your back as you provide personal care,. It will provide you with guidelines for helping someone transfer safely and for how to create a safer home environment. Learn about home safety for someone with compromised mobility, balance or cognition, and find out how occupational therapists can assist you. Friday, February 21, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, room 203, Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver. Liza de Silva is a registered occupational therapist, as well as a clinical instructor and director of Workable Steps.

Part II: How to Make Time for Your Dreams Now that you have your vision board, you will be guided through steps to ensure you get what you want in any easy do-able way. We'll share some fun, laughter and ideas to get you there. Thursday, March 27, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the West Vancouver Health Centre, main floor. Joyanna Anthony is the Idea Lady and networker extraordinaire. She helps others to connect more fully with their life dreams.

When asked what inspired her to create this painting, caregiver Barbara Matiru answered, “I was thinking of my lovely view almost every evening when I was at Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island visiting my dear friend, a retired Caregiver. I was at peace and did so much healing, writing and sharing. I was so grateful to all the circle of family and friends that enabled me to have this time to be at peace and to slow down.” Barbara was reminded of the following quotation by Rachel Carson: "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth, find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." The Family Caregivers’ The Family Caregiver Grapevine is a bi-monthly publication that seeks to support family caregivers by promoting the importance of self-care and providing practical information. North Shore Community Resources Caregiver Support Program 201, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC, V7P 1S3 604-985-0645