THE FAITHFUL CAREGIVER

Vol. 16 – Oct. 2006

Linda Schoenmann

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
     If you missed this year's Iowa County Memory Walk on Sept. 17, you missed a good time for a good cause!  I was amazed at how many people came, donated, walked, and supported us in so many ways!  We made the front page of the Sept. 21 issue of the Dodgeville Chronicle with a nice long story and two photos – one of the Bloomfield team and one of our medical chair, Dr. Bishop, with his family! 
     This was the 3rd year the Bloomfield team tried to take away the trophy from my Lands' End team for the most money raised.  They tried last year in Iowa County and the prior year in Grant County.  This year they finally did it!  We have a friendly competition and I was very happy for them so I gave Jeannie Austin, Bloomfield Co-Captain, a big hug.  Bloomfield also earned the trophy for the most walkers with 83!
     The two Bloomfield trophies were the result of great team efforts.  To raise money, they worked hard all year with many fund-raisers coordinated by Kari Grady, Activity Department Director, and her staff.  Bloomfield staff donated items to sell;  and staff, residents, and residents' families bought them.  They had a chili day, taco supper, baked potato day, blue jean day, bake sales, also root beer float and ice cream cone day - they thoughtfully included diabetic versions for the residents who can't have sugar.  Plus they made and sold Forget-Me-Not bracelets.  They also had a buffet night at Pizza Hut.  They started last November and had some fund-raiser nearly every month!  Bloomfield already has a fund-raiser scheduled to raise money for next year! 

     The walkers included staff plus residents' families.  What a positive step to take in honor and memory of all those with Alzheimer's disease that they care for and love.

     Several communities in our area were represented at our walk that I know of:  Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Ridgeway, Cobb, Montfort, Highland, Livingston, Darlington, Blanchardville, Spring Green, Mazomanie, Mt. Horeb, and Madison. 
     Our area was also represented at the Madison Memory Walk which was held Sept. 23.  They had 1,000 walkers, including me and other Iowa County residents.  Dane County's largest team also had 83 walkers – the same as Bloomfield - but their county is 20 times our size!  Some of you spotted me in the crowd in two shots on the Channel 15 News at 6pm and 10pm that night. 
     As Iowa County Family Co-Chair, I got to address the walkers.  I was anxious to see how many of them read my column.  So I asked the group and was happy to learn that a lot of them do!  My readers must be the most informed people around about Alzheimer's and caregiving!      
     The final count in Iowa County was over 200 walkers who raised about $18,000!  That's terrific for our 2nd year!  We expect Memory Walk...and the need for programs and services for those with Alzheimer's...to grow each year.  

     The 2007 Iowa County Memory Walk is tentatively set for Sunday, Sept. 16.   The Kosharek team plans to schedule their family reunion around Memory Walk and make it an event for the whole clan!  What a wonderful way to honor their loved ones affected by this disease!  Please make a note of the date now and plan to join us next year, too!   
 

NOVEMBER IS ALZHEIMER’s AWARENESS & FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH

     It was 24 years ago that President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness month.  About 90% of what we know about Alzheimer’s we’ve learned in the last few decades.  Nearly half of American adults have a family member or know someone with Alzheimer’s.  All of us will be affected by it due to the tremendous cost to our health-care system. 

     The 10 warning signs for Alzheimer’s are short-term memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language, disorientation as to time and place, poor or declining judgment, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood and behavior, changes in personality, and loss of initiative.  It’s normal to forget, but when the forgetting is not normal, please don’t ignore that.

      What can you do?  BE AWARE:  learn the warning signs.  GET EARLY DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT:  This means a higher quality of life for the person afflicted, less stress for family caregivers, and more time to treasure the present as well as prepare for the future.  CONNECT WITH THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION:  This nonprofit organization offers information, referral, training, tips, family care consultations, speakers, support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, newsletter, a Safe Return Program for wanderers, and more!  DONATE:  Give to the Alzheimer’s Association so they can continue their good work.           

     November is also National Family Caregiver month.  Family Caregivers are the backbone of our medical care system.  If you know a caregiver, please give them a pat on the back.  Better yet, give them a hand and help them out! 

COMING UP
     The next meeting of our Iowa County Alzheimer's Support Group is Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 2:30pm at Bloomfield Manor.  It’s a great opportunity for you to get the answers you need about your caregiving situation.   
     The next edition of The Faithful Caregiver will appear Nov. 30 in the Dodgeville Chronicle in the After 50 Supplement.  If you have a question or suggestion, contact me at blshane@mhtc.net or 608-935-3995. 
     Until next month, keep up the good care for your loved one and take good care of yourself, too!