Newsletter - The Center for Family Caregivers.

HEALTH FIRST CENTER FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS offers information,
support, and hope amid the many challenges faced by caregivers. Ongoing
programs include customized information and referral for all caregiving needs,
caregiver training programs, support groups and special social events
throughout the year designed to allow families to enjoy time together. For
more information on special evening events and programs, please call us at
321- 434-7625. We are located at 3661 Babcock Street Melbourne or visit
us at www.centerforfamilycaregivers.org Hours: Mon- Fri 9:30 am -5 pm
Health First Center for Family Caregivers Welcomes the New Year with
Our January 2015 Guest Speakers...
THE FIRST STEPS program ~ an interactive five-part education program
based on the Alzheimer’s Association’s Living with Alzheimer’s series.
5 Consecutive Mondays - January 12, 19, 26, Feb., 2 & 9. 1-2:30 p.m.
This program, in partnership with East Central Florida Memory
Disorder Clinic, is specifically designed for people who are newly
diagnosed and in the early stages of dementia and their caregivers. Geared to help you take
action to navigate this chapter in your life, this program will cover topics such as:
understanding the diagnosis, and learning how to partner with your medical team;
communication and coping strategies; legal and financial concerns; safety issues and
community resources. RSVP 1-800-272-3900
DR. MICHAEL MANDESE, O.D., F.A.A.O.
THE EYE INSTITUTE ~ in Melbourne, Rockledge and Malabar
Why should I see the eye doctor when my vision is fine?
Wednesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.
Early detection is the key to protecting your vision…especially as you
age. Join Dr. Michael Mandese as he discusses the following topics:
common eye problems that can be signs of more serious issues; the eye
diseases and disorders that can lead to vision loss and blindness (and
some have no early signs or symptoms); and steps you need to take to
protect your eyesight. January is Glaucoma Awareness month…so please
th
join us on the 14 ! RSVP 434-7625
PAUL LEMIEUX, Elder Law Attorney
The Slonim Law Firm, P.A.
Elder Law Smorgasbord
Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Join Attorney Paul Lemieux for a morning “coffee and cake” and a
‘smorgasbord’ of legal information! Paul will cover topics such as: Estate
Planning and how to limit probate risk; Secrets about Government
Benefits that you may have thought you were ineligible for; myths and
misconceptions to avoid while protecting yourself and your family from
typical planning pitfalls; and practical concerns regarding end of life and
living wills. RSVP 434-7625
ROSEMARY D. LAIRD, MD
Health First Aging Services
Caregivers Can’t Be Sick! Managing your own illness while caring for your loved one
Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m.
In this presentation, Dr. Rosemary Laird will discuss common caregiving
physical ailments, emotional health, prevention tips and medication
management. Dr. Laird is a Board-certified Geriatrician and Internal
Medicine Physician and Co-author of Take Your Oxygen First - a
caregiver’s handbook on protecting your health and happiness while
caring for a loved one with memory loss. RSVP 434-7625
FARAH SIVOLELLA, MSG, Director
TOTAL MEMORY WORKOUT!”
For the Cognitively Well Senior
Sponsored by East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic
8 Easy Steps to Maximum Memory Fitness
6 Week Class Series on Wednesdays Beginning January 28 thru
March 4 (Please plan to attend all 6 classes.)
10:30 a.m. to Noon Please join Certified Total Memory Workout Trainer
Farah Sivolella of the East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic and learn more about
your memory and practice “memorcises” designed to build memory muscle. For more
information or to RSVP, please call Lynne Brownrigg at 434-7614.
CATCH A FALL BEFORE IT HAPPPENS!
John Ryan
Senior Physical Therapist
Rehab, Health First Pro Health and Fitness
Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 a.m.
Join John Ryan for his presentation on fall prevention measures,
including safety proofing your home; the benefits of exercise in fall
reduction in older adults with dementia, with demonstration exercises;
and the need for caregivers to understand their loved one’s inability to
recognize their disability and fall risk and the role they must play in safe mobility and
compliance with exercise. RSVP 434-7625
As the New Year begins, we want to extend our sincere thanks to all our
Volunteers who donate their time to help us and our families.
THANK YOU for caring and for your contributions of time & expertise.
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Our Class Instructors
Support Group Facilitators
Our Respite Volunteers
Researcher, Library Aide
Office Helpers
Refreshment Donors &
Party Planner & Host
Ongoing Programs & Special Events at CFFC
 Sit and Fit - A Chair-Based Exercise Class set to music
For Caregivers and Loved Ones
Every Wednesday from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m.
Increase strength, improve flexibility, enhance balance, and reduce falls
Led by Joe Cataldo, Fitness Instructor
 Scrapbooking Workshop & Arts ‘n Crafts Class
For Caregivers and Loved ones
Every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Saving memories by scrapbooking, making greeting cards & gift bags for all
occasions in a social setting - all supplies provided
Led by Volunteers Nancy Grabenhorst and Elaine Herron
 Caregiver Support Groups:
(Please call to pre-register for Support Groups.)
 Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. (with Joyce Kennedy, Manager, CFFC &
every 1st Tues., of the month, Guest Facilitator, Linn Possell, Dementia
Care Practitioner, Autumn House)
 Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (with Joyce Brang, LCSW)
WELCOME, Health First Social Worker, Joyce Brang!
The Center for Family Caregivers is happy to announce that Health First
Social Worker, Joyce Brang, joins our team of Caregiver Support Group
Facilitators and will lead the Wednesday Group beginning on January 7 at
10:30 a.m. Joyce has 17 years’ experience as a Social Worker working with
children, families and foster families in individual, group and family therapy.
She is delighted to have this opportunity to join our team and work with
seniors and caregivers at Aging Services, our Center for Family Caregivers
and throughout our community.
 Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. (with Nick Wilson, MSW)
 Living with Grief 10:30 a.m. First Tuesday of each month
Living with grief is a universal human experience, and we need support and
tools to cope. Join us for an opportunity to listen/share/learn in a group
setting. Led by Karen Czarniak, Bereavement Counselor, Hospice of
Health First
 E.A.S.E. Alumni Support Group meets the First Wednesday of each month
at the Center for Family Caregivers from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., (a program in
partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and East Central Florida
Memory Disorder Clinic)
 Social Events are offered throughout the year to allow families to enjoy time together.