Greater Iowa Chapter News

Fall 2008

Published quarterly for caregivers, donors, volunteers, advocates and friends in the Alzheimer community

www.alz.org/greateriowa 24-Hour Helpline: 1.800.272.3900

Give the new Alzheimer Garden

U.S. Postal Service Releases Alzheimer’s Stamp The United States Postal Service and the Alzheimer’s Association joined forces to release a new Alzheimer’s awareness stamp. Released October 17, the 42-cent commerative stamp was created to illuminate the escalating Alzheimer epidemic and to heighten the public’s awareness about the disease.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month November marks the 25th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s first proclamation of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. November is also national Family Caregivers month; so the Alzheimer’s Association is helping to relieve the physical and emotional stress caregivers experience with the introduction of two new resources. Both are available at www.alz.org. Caregiver Stress Check The Caregiver Stress Check is a first-of-its-kind, interactive quiz that helps caregivers identify their symptoms of stress and provides them with a tailored list of helpful referrals and resources. November... continued on page ten

The new, one-of-akind Better Homes and Gardens® Alzheimer Awareness Perennial Garden is a lasting way to honor someone affected by Alzheimer’s or champion the cause by sending it as a gift. When you purchase this combination of fragrant purple and white perennials, 10 percent of the sales go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association to support vital research and programs. The garden debuts in November for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month but will be for sale year-round by White Flower Farm. Meredith Publications, headquartered in Des Moines and publisher of more than 14 magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Parents, More and Family Circle, is offering the garden exclusively with the Alzheimer’s Association. Meredith Publications staff and staff of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter in Des Moines worked together to develop the Alzheimer Garden, and all parties are thrilled to be working together on this project as well as looking towards the future on more gardens. The garden was designed by Better Homes and Gardens staff in their Test Garden. This ensures that the plants are reliable, easy-care performers appropriate for most areas of the country. Garden... continued on page 11

Board & Staff Board of Directors Debbie Miner, President Curtis J. Ford, Vice President Fred Housman, Secretary Missy Sisler, CPA, Treasurer Craig Miller, Immediate Past President Thomas R. Fischer, Jr. Curtis J. Ford Linda Forthmann Steve Habenicht, CSA Darshini Jayawardena Megan Milligan Mehrdad Razavi, MD Brent Sample, CPA Dawn Wagner

Staff Des Moines Carol Sipfle, Executive Director Holly Bradford, Finance & Operations Director Gale Brubaker, Communications Director Nancy Carrick, Program Director Sue Norem, Public Policy Director Teri Elliott, Administrative Assistant Sue Dwyer, Family Services Coordinator Mary Hall, Program Support Specialist Polly Johnston, Program Specialist Creston Cena Danielson, Program and Services Coordinator Quad Cities Jerry Schroeder, Program Specialist Julie Seier, Community Relations Coordinator Phyllis Chamberlin, Office Assistant Dubuque Mary McNally, Program Specialist Margie Meehan, Community Relations Coordinator Burlington Dennis Fraise, Community Relations Coordinator Michelle Kelman, Program Specialist Fort Dodge Jodi Ricklefs, Program and Services Coordinator

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This is the time of year when we pause to recognize our bounty and blessings and say “thank you” for the many things for which we are grateful. While the Alzheimer’s Association appreciates individuals and organizations that support our mission all year round, it seems especially fitting to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following groups: Memory Walk participants – after a busy fall with 15 Memory Walks across our chapter, we estimate that more than 3,000 individuals participated in this event to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Of special note are the dozens of volunteers who served on a Memory Walk committee in their community to organize this event and recruit participants. Advocates – nearly 500 volunteers have agreed to serve as advocates for the Association to support legislation to increase funding for Alzheimer’s research and enhancements in Medicare and Medicaid support for persons impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Advocates act as a voice for those who can no longer speak on their own behalf and reinforce public policy initiatives supported by the Association. Support group facilitators – 70 individuals donate their time and talents to lead caregiver support groups throughout the chapter territory. These individuals exemplify the caring and compassion of the Association and provide valuable support to family members, spouses and others who are caring for a loved one with dementia. Corporate supporters – dozens of companies, organizations and foundations – large and small, rural and urban - show their support of our mission with contributions, sponsorships and grants for our programs and services. Many also encourage their employees to support our work or match gifts made by employees. Donors – charitable contributions from individuals allow the Association to provide programs and services at no cost to families and the general public. A special group of donors are those who make memorial and tribute gifts when a loved one with Alzheimer’s has Executive Director... continued on page 6

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New Office Open in Creston

Become An Advocate! Sue Norem, Public Policy Director There is a very easy way you can join the effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s, and that is to register as an advocate. It will take only a few minutes of your time and an email address, or if you do not have a computer, your mailing address. When legislation or an issue arises

where advocacy would make a difference, such as increasing funding for research or calling for support for caregivers, advocates will be asked to email and/or call their elected officials and let them know that fighting Alzheimer’s must be a top priority. The Alzheimer’s Association will not trade or sell your contact information.

One of the most pressing issues is research funding. The Alzheimer’s Association is asking Congress for $125 million for research to eliminate this disease. We need your voice to be heard in Washington, DC. Advocates will receive an email with a letter that is already composed, all that is needed is an electronic signature, then hit send. It’s as simple as that. The Alzheimer’s Association also follows legislation that will affect our mission as well as composing legislation that will positively influence those living with the disease and their families in Iowa and Illinois. The Alzheimer’s Association works with many like-minded organizations to make these legislative changes, but the most powerful resource is your voice and your stories. If we are going to change anything or eliminate this disease it can only be done by making our voices heard.

Thanks to the generous support of Stan and Dotty Thurston, the Alzheimer’s Association has opened a new branch office in Creston, Iowa. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to provide support, education and services more efficiently and directly in southwest Iowa,” said Carol Sipfle, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Associaiton, Greater Iowa Chapter. Staff in Creston may be reached at: Alzheimer’s Association 228 North Pine Street Creston, IA 50801 Phone: 641.782.2444 Fax: 641.782.2355 24-Hour Helpline: 1.800.272.3900

Support Group Facilitator Training Planned Support groups are peer- or professionally-led groups for caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and are facilitated by trained individuals. The Greater Iowa Chapter is recruiting facilitators for new groups and as co-facilitators for existing groups. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a support group facilitator or facilitating a group and need more training, there will be two trainings held. The training will be at our West Des Moines office on January 9, 2009 or January 23, 2009 from 2-4 pm. Please register by calling 515.440.2722.

Over 120 locations nationwide We would like to thank everyone involved in the 2008 Dubuque Alzheimers Memory Walk for helping to make it a success. 3

Title Sponsor:

Thanks to our donors, walkers and sponsors who raised over $579,000! Chapter Sponsors: Crescent Electric Great River Medical Center HyVee MidAmerican Energy Universal Printing

Gold Sponsors: Bickford Cottage Assisted Living - Marshalltown NCMIC Oak Park Place U.S. Bank

Silver Sponsors: American Insurance Amenity Hospice Arbor Springs Avonlea Cottage of Quad Cities Big Fish Creative Bickford Cottage: Ames, Burlington, Clinton, Davenport, Moline, Urbandale, West Des Moines Brown Traffic Products Burlington Neurology Country House Diamond Jo Casino Evercare Friendship Manor The Fountains Senior Living Community Guide One Insurance Iowa Health Care Association Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center Jersey Ridge Place Loffredo Fresh Produce Luther Manor Retirement Community Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center McFarland Clinic Mercy Medical Center-Clinton Modern Woodmen Nash Nash Bean & Ford Neurology Consultants Northcrest Prudential Retirement

Sam’s Club Senior Suites of Urbandale SunnyBrook at Riverbend SunnyBrook Assisted Living Wal-Mart, Silvis, IL Winegard Company

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Bronze Sponsors: 3801 Retirement Campus Alliant Energy Alverno Health Care American Trust and Savings AY McDonald Bandag, Inc. Beacon of Hope Hospice Bellevue Pharmacy Best Move Bethany Home Big Meadows Nursing Home Bishop Drumm Cascade Lumber CDS Global Conlon Construction Cozy Corner Delaware Co. Banker’s Assoc. Dubuque Bank and Trust East Dubuque Savings Bank Finley Hospital Friendship Haven Genesis Health System Good Neighbor Society Good Samaritan Society-Davenport

Home Instead Senior Care: Des Moines and Dubuque Honkamp Krueger & Co. Howes & Jefferies Realtors Iles Funeral Home Iowa Association of Homes & Services for the Aging Jackson County Hospice Jamieson Long and Associates Elder Law Firm Jane’s Place at CASI Jeff Reed State Farm Insurance Kelly Heating & Oil Co. The Kensington Lutheran Homes Madrid Home Mary Greeley Medical Center Mercy Hospital-Dubuque Metro MRI Metropolitan Medical Laboratory Mississippi Belle II/ Wild Rose Casino Osterhaus Pharmacy Pape Funeral Home Pinnacle Health Facilities Prairie Hills Assisted Living River Hills Village Shady Rest Care Center Stone Hill Franciscan Services Sunset Park Place Trinity Center at Luther Park University of Dubuque

Top Fundraising Individuals and Teams Ames Individual: Shirley Stakey Family Team: C.A.T. Team Corporate Team: Bickford Assisted Living

Manchester Individual: Barb Recker Family Team: Loesche Family Corporate Team: Good Neighbor Society

Bellevue Individual: Portia Hollloway Family Team: Pliser Team

Marshalltown Individual: Murt Steffen Family Team: Team Trautman Corporate Team: Marshalltown Memory Clinic

Burlington Individual: Dan Ripple Family Team: Mineart Movers Corporate Team: Great River Medical Center Clinton Individual: Don Krambeck Family Team: Losses Hurt Corporate Team: Mercy Medical Center Creston Individual: Donna Ramsey Team: Team Thompson Des Moines Individual: Thomas Cross Family Team: Gerald’s Gang Corporate Team: Pioneer Dubuque Individual: Mariko Willbright Family Team: Domeyer/Helle Corporate Team: Mt. Carmel

Mason City Individual: Carol Shrik Family Team: Bob’s Babes & Beaus Corporate Team: Heritage & Oakwood Care Montezuma Corporate Team: Montezuma Manufacturing Muscatine Individual: Meredith Anderson Family Team: The Day Family Corporate Team: Lutheran Homes Quad Cities Individual: Lindsey Pinkerton Family Team: Better Things Ahead Corporate Team: Avonlea Cottage Savanna, IL Individual: Sandy Harper Family Team: Stout Family Corporate Team: Big Meadows

Volunteers from the Iowa School of Beauty doing wild hair for walkers in Des Moines Media Sponsors ABC 5 Ames Tribune Clinton Hearald Fort Dodge Messenger KASI KAT-FM KDTH KGRR KHKI KMAQ KMCH KROS KSIB KWPC KWQC Marshalltown Times Republican Muscatine Journal Quad City Times The River 101.1 STAR 93.5

Fort Dodge Individual: MaryAnn Bousfield Family Team: Bousfield Family Team Corporate Team: Friendship Haven Lamoni Top Individual: Susan Dillon Top Team: Lamoni Nursing & Rehab

Team Bickford Cottage on the MOVE in Marshalltown 5

Research Update Drug shows promise in reducing tangles A drug that aims to reduce tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease appears promising in early trials. In results announced at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Chicago, researchers said the drug, known as MTC (Rember), stabilized the progression of Alzheimer’s over 50 weeks, and showed an 82 percent reduction in the rate which the disease progresses. The main chemical in Rember, methylene blue, has been used in a different formulation since the 1930s as a treatment for chronic bladder infections. However, it predates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has never been fully studied for safety and effectiveness, and not in the form used in the Alzheimer study. Experts also caution that while the results are encouraging, Rember is still several years away from being available.

Marriage may help reduce risk of dementia A recent Swedish study found that unmarried, middle-aged people are more likely to develop cognitive impairment than married people of the same age. Over 1,400 Finnish people were questioned in mid-life and again an average of 21 years later. Almost 10 percent were diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment, with 48 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers adjusted their figures to take into account weight, physical activity and education, and participants with partners still had a 50 percent lower risk of showing signs of impairment later in life than those who lived alone. Those who stayed single had a doubled risk of dementia, while those who were divorced from mid-life onward had triple the risk. Study author Krister Hakånsson theorized, “Cognitive and intellectual stimulation has been reported to be protective against dementia in general. Living in a couple means that you are confronted with other ideas, perspectives and needs. You have to compromise, make decisions and solve problems together with someone else, which is more complicated and challenging.”

The Greater Iowa Chapter welcomes new staff: Cena Danielson, Program & Services Coordinator, Creston Dennis Fraise: Community Relations Coordinator, Burlington Michelle Hamilton: Community Relations Coordinator, West Des Moines Polly Johnston: Program Support Specialist, West Des Moines Sue Norem: Public Policy Director, West Des Moines Julie Seier: Community Relations Coordinator, Davenport 6

Executive Director... continued from page two died. These gifts are a wonderful way to honor someone who has suffered with one of today’s most devastating diseases, while providing funds to help those still suffering. Board of Directors – thirteen individuals from all areas of our chapter, representing a variety of occupations, provide oversight and governance of the Association. These individuals work to assure that funds are used efficiently and as intended; programs and services are effective and available to those who need them the most; and the organization continually plans for the future. On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter staff, I express our heartfelt appreciation for all of those who support our efforts. Thank You!

If you’re finished with this issue, please take it to a friend, doctor’s office or other public place. You may provide the help someone is looking for!

Memorials, Honorariums and General Donations received 7-1-08 to 10-1-08 SYLVIA AKRE John R. Luther Paul A. Akre William and Merrianne Kinney Iowa Communications Network JEFFREY ANDERSON A.K. and J.I. Jorgensen Donald S. and Sharia Jones Dr. Dan Hinson Frank and Lori Ludgate Fritz and Amy Swearingen Hans and Lisa Zinnecker Joanne C. Noble K.N. and D.L. Thomsen Kristine Anderson Lise Schumacher Mark and Jackie Baumgarten Ralph Gibson and Mary Junck Melissa Slaikeu Phillip and Deetta Andersen Richard Hintz Royce and Linda Hall Stephen and Linda DeLessio Thomas and Malanie Gellhaus Thomas and Alison Pritz Randall and Valerie Moffatt Foster Group, Inc. Genesis Medical Center MARIAN BERRY Sue Sharon REV. PAUL BOUSFIELD South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce MIRIAM BRADLEY Deborah Poole TYNE BUCK Juanita E. Buck SHIRLEY BUCKLEY John and Janet Graham FRANCES LOUISE CLEAVER Debby Christensen LYLE CUNNINGHAM Marjory B. Leonard VIVIAN EDENS G. Robert and Margaret Mackin GUY ENKE L.G. and Janice Buser LOVELL H. FISCHER Roger and Brenda Nolting

Dean and Sharon Dahms John and Mary Bishop, MD John and Sue Murphy John and Patricia Roche Judith A Wallick Karna L Misevic Thomas and Judith Tilton THOMAS FISCHER Dean and Donna Piatt FAY FISHER American Abstract & Title Company Jerry and Virginia Kirkpatrick William & Marcy Essy THOMAS FREUND IBM ROGER E. HANSON Lawrence and Sandra Carrington JOSEPH P. HART Margaret Hart MARILYN HAWK Mark and Nancy Hawk Rebecca R. Maxson MARGARET HERR Linnea K. Gustafson ANN HINSON Randall and Valerie Moffatt PHYLLIS ‘FERN’ HOBERT Joel and Sherry Wittkamp Keith S. Starr - Scout Master HAROLD HOEGH Kathy Hoegh WANDA HUNTINGTON Robert and Suzanne Johnson SHIRLEY JOHNSON Janis Johnson Jeremiah and Kelly Jones Roger E. Johnson Scott and Sarah Deters GEORGE LEONARD Marjory B. Leonard MARVIN LUNDT Larry and Lora Beth Huggins Winnifred & Vincent Petersen LOIS MALSTROM Thomas and Carol Latterell DOROTHY HANEYMAN MANIGER LaDonna Rassander DONALD MCDERMOTT Barbara A. McDermott

C. Wesley and Valerie Michaelsen MILTON MEEK Gladys C. Burtch and Janet L. Lepper SHIRLEY MILLER Calvin and Shirley Miller Marjorie Miller Wayne and Mary Carlson MARIE MINER Thomas and Cynthia Ervin GEORGE MONTY John and Carole Hoeller JOHNNY ORR Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Matz LAVONNE POHL Melody Pontious IMOGENE RATHMAN David and CM Borts Rebecca Weatherwax Susan B. Perry, M.D. Hahn Ready Mix, Inc. DR. KEITH RIGGINS James and Dana Elrod Ruth Brown MARGARET SCHAEFER B. and Cindy Schaefer Thomas and Judy Syke DOROTHY EVELYN HANNUM C.A. and M.P. Ricketts John and Marilyn Bodey Joseph M Kint Lester and Betty Clemons Roger and Joan Huff Vaughn and Jill Ewoldt ANN SIMIS Arlene Sax ARNOLD SKROMME Bradley and Leslie Stewart Robert P. Carlson Roger Skromme WILBUR SPAFFORD, SR. Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station SAM STANG Lawrence and Carol Taylor Charles and Judith Stang Larry and Andrea Gull M.R. and S.L. White Paul and Ginny Wiklund Paul and Ginny Chamberlin

Memorials, honorariums and donations listed are $25 and above. Every attempt is made to ensure correct information, but if there is an error, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 515.440.2722 7

Memorials, Honorariums and General Donations received 7-1-08 to 10-1-08 ROBERT SWANSON DeWitt Bank & Trust Co. ROBERT SWINDERMAN John and Mary Freese RALPH G. THOMAS Jerry and Angela Adams DONALD VANHAL Nancy JaneVanRoekel Paula VanHal Rex and Evelyn Steddom ALBERT VAN LANDUYT Dale and Judith Lowry Gary and Marguerite Johnson DENNIS VANLIEW Bruce and Kelli Baker Clark and Christine Bening David and Cheryl Carroll Ellard Pfaelzer Jr. Harley L. Thornton J.L. and Louise Lane James and Bettyann McCarl Jane Hayes Davis Kenton M. Klein, Sr. Mary Ann VanLiew Robert and Mary Alice Hesse Scott and Cherie Donovan William and Linda Garten MARGE VIERLING Donald and Ann Beeson Larry and Janet Smith Linda Vierling Ray and Annabelle Chamberlin Ronald and Glenna Grohe LYNN VOLKER Mary Yearns ROLAND WEBER Edwin and Barbara Blinks EVELYN I. WELLS Harold and Mary Kock Roger and Bonny Wells NANCY J. WHITTY Thomas and Judy Garside CHRISTINE WIERSON Janet Hedberg Milton D. Seiser MARIE WIESE Carl and Marilyn Lebuhn

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General Donations AAA Automobile Club of Missouri; Deb Bayby; Darrell and Margie Brown; Charles Gabus Ford Dealerships; Rosemary C. Cronin; Shirley Deventer; Dennis and Joyce Dobberke; Friendly Thrift Center; James R. Haas; George and Sally Haas; Gary and Jane Harter; Brett and Coleen Hein; Carrie Ann Hemingson; Lillian Johnston Estate; Joan B. Kamps; Kappa Chi Chapter of Thi Tau Omega Sorority; Genevieve J. Kiefer; Joanne T. McKay; Linda Morden; Drake W. Mueller; John and Karla O’Connor; John and Patricia Olsen; Merle and Norma Petersen; Joanne Roberts; Craig Ross and Cherilyn Anderson; Tom and Darleen Sarvis; Jim and Marita Theisen; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque; Mary Jean Uptegraph; James and Susan Wahlert; Arthur and Caroline Whalen; Aurthur and Sally Wiegand.

Alzheimer’s Association Holiday Office Hours All offices will be closed the following days: Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 Thursday, January 1 The 24-Hour Helpline will be available during these office closures, and as always, anytime outside of normal business hours. Please do not hesitate to call 1.800.272.3900 anytime with questions or concerns about a loved one.

IRA Charitable Rollover Act Extended Congress extended a wonderful charitable planning opportunity for 2008 and 2009 permitting IRA owners age 70 ½ or older to make a direct transfer to charities such as the Alzheimer’s Association. The transfer can be up to $100,000 per year. Since a traditional IRA is funded with non-taxed dollars, a charitable contribution from an IRA does not qualify for an income tax deduction. However, gift amounts from an IRA will not be included in donors’ incomes. The IRA rollover donor can avoid other taxes, too! Each year, IRA owners aged 70 ½ and older must take a required minimum distribution. This legislation permits the charitable rollover contribution to qualify for the required minimum distribution which can result in a lower taxable income. Note: It is very important that the IRA custodian must transfer the funds from the IRA directly to the Alzheimer’s Association. If an IRA owner withdraws the funds and then contributes them to the Alzheimer’s Association, the withdrawal will be included in the donor’s gross income. Please contact your IRA plan custodian or trustee before making any withdrawal. For further information please call us at 515.440.2722.

Alzheimer’s...Beginning the Conversation You finally have a diagnosis for the increasingly obvious problems you’ve seen in your loved one. That name is Alzheimer’s...a progressive, dementing illness that leads to a decline in memory, judgment and the ability to function independently with activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s...Beginning the Conversation is a family education program designed to address the challenges confronting families of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Please register by calling 1.800.272.3900. Note: this program is not appropriate for the person diagnosed with the disease. If you need someone to be with your loved one while you attending the program, respite may be available. Please ask when you register. City IOWA Burlington

Day

Time

Location

November 25

9:30-11 am 4-5:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

1000 N. Roosevelt, Suite 8

December 16

9:30-11 am 4-5:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

1000 N. Roosevelt, Suite 8

Clinton

November 4 December 2

3-4:30 pm

Mercy Medical Ctr. S. Campus Boardroom

638 S. Bluff

Davenport

November 25

3-4:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

736 Federal, Bldg. 2

Dubuque

November 18 December 16

11:30 am1:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

5900 Saratoga Plaza, #11

Fort Dodge

December 2 January 8

2:30-4 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

1605 1st Ave. N., #4

Muscatine

November 11 December 9

3-4:30 pm

Senior Resources

1808 Mulberry

West Des Moines

November 18 December 16

4-5:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association

1730 28th Street

Call for information

3-4:30 pm

Mercer Co. Hospital Conference Room A

409 W. 9th Avenue

Geneseo

Call for information

3-4:30 pm

Geneseo Community Ctr. Senior Room

541 E. North St.

Kewanee

Call for information

3-4:30 pm

Henry Seniors Upstairs Meeting Room

219 W. 2nd St.

ILLINOIS Aledo

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November... continued from page one Educational Programs on DVD The Alzheimer’s Association is also offering two new, best-in-class programs for caregivers and people with dementia. The first is “Understanding Alzheimer’s: An Introductory Guide” and the second is “Alzheimer’s and Safety: A Guide to Planning and Preparation.” Aimed at increasing understanding, building skills and empowering people with dementia and those involved in their care, these videos feature essential information on dementia basics, care, home and transportation safety, all delivered by individuals with dementia, family and professional caregivers and physicians. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these resources: • Alzheimer’s Association Caresource TM is an easy-to-use, one-stop online resource for everything needed to find help and plan for caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. • Lotsa Helping Hands. An interactive calendar that allows anyone involved in care or support to organize caregiving activities. • Alzheimer’s Association Senior Housing Finder. Developed in collaboration with SNAPforSeniors®, this resource allows users to search by geographic area, housing type and availability. Users can also screen for level of dementia care, types of payments accepted, lifestyle amenities and other specialized care services. • Senior Housing Finder complements the Alzheimer’s Association Carefinder™, an online program to help users identify dementia care options based on an individual’s needs and preferences. Users can match CareFinder™ results with search criteria in the Senior Housing Finder database to identify local care providers that may meet their needs. 10

Alzheimer’s & the Holidays Programs Holidays can be meaningful times for both the person with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. Maintaining or adapting family traditions can strengthen family relationships and link the person with Alzheimer’s to a familiar and reassuring past. Participants will learn to recognize activities that are appropriate for holiday celebrations based on various stages of Alzheimer’s, discuss the special considerations related to traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, and learn about gift suggestions for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Please call and register for a program today. If you need someone to stay with your loved one while you attend a program, please mention this during registration.

Wednesday, November 19 • Noon-1:30 pm Sunset Park Place 3730 Pennsylvania • Dubuque Register at 563.589.0030 Monday, December 1 • 10:30 am-Noon Ottumwa Public Library Meeting Room 102 W. 4th St. • Ottumwa Register at 319.208.0271 Monday, December 8 • 5:30-7 pm Alzheimer’s Association 1730 28th Street • West Des Moines Register at 515.440.2722 Tuesday, December 9 • 6-7:30 pm Newton Public Library 100 N. 3rd Ave. West • Newton Register at 515.440.2722

Garden... continued from page 1 White Flower Farm is selling the 10-plant collection for $99.95 plus shipping. The garden includes salvia, echinacea, phlox, sedum and aster. Plants will be shipped during your local planting season. Whether a garden is small or sprawling, the Alzheimer Awareness Perennial Garden

can give it a memorable focus that will change with the seasons and provide a sense of renewal and hope. To order the garden, look for ads in the November issue of Meredith magazines. You may also call White Flower Farm at 1.800.420.2852 or be linked to their Web site through www.alz.org/ShopfortheCause

Professional Training Offered Four training opportunities for care professionals to fulfill their required six hours of dementia education will be offered at the West Des Moines Alzheimer’s Association office. The dates are December 16, 2008, January 20, February 17, and March 17, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Training will be for all levels of care, including Adult Day, Assisted Living and CCDI. Cost is $35 per person and an Attendance Certificate will be issued upon completion of the training. Class size is limited, so please call 515.440.2722 to register. Note: We must have minimum of six participants for each session

Care Initiatives is a non-profit company with 45 skilled nursing facilities, eight assisted living units and four independent living centers in Iowa. All of our facilities provide on-site medical, nursing, social, and rehabilitative services for those who need 24-hour nursing services. Care Initiatives makes facility improvements on an ongoing basis to create a warm, homelike environment for residents, staff, and families. We have replaced ten facilities with new state of the art facilities since 1999. Services include but not limited to: ♦ Secure Memory Care Units ¨ Nursing Care with Skilled Services ♦ Hospice Care ¨ Rehab to Home Program ♦ Respite Care ¨ Outpatient Therapy Services ♦ Bariatric Care ¨ Restorative Programs ♦ Variety of Activity Programs ¨ IV Therapy ♦ Take Admissions Twenty-Four Hours a Day ¨ Wound Care Care Initiatives recently began developing and offering complementary healthcare services for our residents and communities. Care Initiatives Hospice will offer comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and families in 51 Iowa counties in 2009. Care Initiatives offers secure Memory Care units in the following locations: Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Corydon, Eldora, Manly, Osceola, Sioux City, & Stratford. Osceola Nursing & Rehab Center will open its new facility December 2008. To view our Iowa locations, visit our web site at www.careinitiatives.org or call (515) 224-4442. With 45 Iowa locations, there may be a Care Initiatives facility near you! Care Initiatives is proud to be the statewide sponsor for all Memory Walks in Iowa! 11

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT #2240

Greater Iowa 1730 28th Street West Des Moines, IA 50266

We are fighting on your behalf 24/7 to give everyone a reason to hope. www.alz.org 800 272 3900

Thanks for all you do! Saluting the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter for more than 25 years of service to Iowans.

LIFE CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Life Care Retirement Communities is a nationally recognized, non-profit leader providing life care services for more than 4,000 seniors residing in 11 communities. Founded in 1976, our mission is to create and sustain communities celebrating the lives of seniors. To explore the limitless possibilities of senior life, log on at www.lcrc.net.

NEBRASKA PENNSYLVANIA 10.08

FLORIDA ILLINOIS IOWA KANSAS MINNESOTA