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.        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.