A Newsletter of The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers • Fall/Winter 2011-2012

If it weren’t for the people at the Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, I would have gone into a deep depression trying to handle my husband’s memory loss all on my own.

I first met Thomas at a basketball game in Hawaii. He was in the U.S. Navy and a girlfriend from high school introduced us. We married in 1951 and just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with our friends and family, which includes a son in Austin, Texas, a daughter in Bonita, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Several years ago I started to notice Tom was becoming forgetful and chalked it up to old age. If we were going to Sears, he’d ask, “Where’s Sears?” – and we’d lived here since 1972! Sometimes he’d take the 805 north when we needed to go south to get home.

We talked to his doctor and after a CAT scan, he started taking Aricept [a medication to treat dementia]. But his memory kept getting worse. My children started urging me to join a support group, but I insisted nothing was wrong with their dad except he was getting old. Besides, they had their own families and I didn’t want to burden them.

Then one day my daughter, Pamela, told me she was taking us to the Glenner Support Group in Chula Vista, so to please her we went and I found myself standing before the group and telling them my story of being in denial.

I saw so many people telling stories of their loved ones and I thought, ‘Maybe I do need to come here.’ That was in 2005, and since then my whole world has changed.

The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers:

Support through Every Step of the JourneyBy Thora Basham, Family Caregiver

Those familiar with our founders know our non-profit organization began with a phone call Dr. Glenner, a UCSD pathologist who specialized in Alzheimer’s research, and his wife Joy received one night in 1982. An overwhelmed caregiver threatened to take his wife’s life and then his own; police arrived at the home to find the man armed but he and his wife unharmed. The next day the Glenners decided to do something for families and created one of the first dementia-specific adult day care centers in the nation.

That adult day care model has since been replicated throughout our area and our country as the need for caregiver support grows exponentially with the rise of Alzheimer’s disease. Our outreach has expanded well beyond our first center in Hillcrest, while our mission has remained the same: to provide quality adult day programs and family support services throughout our region.

Dr. Glenner passed away in 1995, and Joy retired from “active duty” several years ago. But the Glenners’ influence continues as San Diego County families benefit from our safe, structured

Celebrating 30 Years of ‘Sharing the Caring’Next year marks the 30th anniversary of The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers.

In This Issue ‘We’re Still Here’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Leadership Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Reducing Back Aches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Caregiver Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Guardian Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Activities at Our Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Caregiver Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Community Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Where Donations Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

continued on page 7

continued on page 7

A Community of Caregivers Strengthened By Your SupportBy Jeff Conyers, Chairman of the Board

Glenner’s Leadership

FOUNDERS

George G. Glenner, M.D. Joy Glenner, President Emeritus

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeffrey Conyers, Chairman

Amy Abrams, M.S.W./M.P.H., C.M.C. Vice Chair

Judith Copeland, Secretary

Virgil Barbat, Treasurer

Richard Wank, Treasurer

Eric Benink

John W. Daly, M.D.

Susan Estrada

Eric Manese, A.A.M.S.

Richard Scott Stewart

Julie Sugita, D.D.S., MS, CLPF, NCG

STAFF

Julie Sugita, D.D.S.,M.S., C.L.P.F., N.C.G. Interim Chief Executive Officer

Rachel Farias Chief Operating Officer

Dawn DeStefani, B.S.W. Director of Programs & Services

Margaret Galante, R.N., B.S.N. Director of NursingHillcrest Program Director 3686 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 543-4704

Sheila Meyer Argeanton, B.S.Encinitas Program Director335 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 635-1895

Bernicemina Molina, M.S.W. South Bay Program Director 280 Saylor Drive Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 420-1703

2 Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2011-2012

My high school class recently gathered for our 50-year reunion. It took an amazing amount of work to pull off the weekend celebration, but it was well worth it to see so many classmates remain supportive of our school and of each other after all these years.

Reflecting on that recent event, I realized that our Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers community is similar in that for three decades now we’ve come together in various ways— from annual campaigns and galas to social media like our Facebook Fan Page—to remember our roots, celebrate our accomplishments and reinforce the strong support we provide San Diego County families whose lives are altered by memory impairment.

We rally when times are tough and we rejoice when we pull through as a team. At present, the state of California is expected to eliminate adult day health care as a Medi-Cal benefit in December, which will

impact funding for many centers across the state and our county. Some centers have announced they are or will close, but The Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers will remain open and will work with families directly impacted by the funding cuts.

No doubt the past year have been tough for a lot of non-profits, ours included, but with your increased support and generosity we can continue to serve families as we always have through quality programs and resources that meet the need of today’s caregivers.

Which brings me back to my high school reunion. After a half century, my classmates and I have experienced many ups and downs and can now share what we’ve learned to help each of us pull through the hard times. So too each member of our Glenner Centers community, from our directors and staff to our donors and volunteers, stands ready to help our caregivers succeed no matter what life throws at them.

Rachel Farias is the new Chief Operating Officer for The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers. Rachel has been part of the organization for 16 years and most recently served as Director of Human Resources.

Dawn DeStefani has been promoted to Director of Programs and Services. Dawn has worked in health and human services for 15 years, the past 10 of them at our Glenner Centers. She most recently served as the program director at our South Bay Center.

South Bay Welcomes a New Program Director

My name is Bernicemina Molina but I prefer to be called “Bernice,” for short. I am a native San Diegan, born and raised here. I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology at San Diego State University and just recently, my master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California.

In my free time, I love to travel everywhere and my most memorable trips have been to Singapore and Indonesia.

I have great interest and passion in working with the Alzheimer’s population and in helping families cope with such a tough subject. I love helping others and am looking forward to helping our families here at the Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers. I am excited about my new journey with the organization and look forward to working with you all.

Corporate Promotions

Rachel Farias

Dawn DeStefani

Bernicemina Molina

George G. Glenner Alzheimers Family Centers • www.alzheimerhelp.org 3

Tips for Traveling with Dementia PatientsIt’s the season to travel, even if just across town, to visit family for the holidays or take

a vacation once all of the hoopla is behind us. Some caregivers may wonder how best to take a trip with someone experiencing dementia. Here are just 10 of many guidelines offered by experts at The University of Iowa’s Center on Aging.

1. Plan a trip that is as short and simple as possible, with few changes along the way. 2. Trips should be to a single destination, rather than a series of visits. 3. Vacation in ways your loved one was accustomed to before the onset of the disease. 4. Consider a shorter trip, such as a day or weekend trip, particularly if you are unsure

of your loved one’s reaction to travel. If everything goes well, go for a longer visit. 5. If your loved one has not traveled in six months, schedule a “trial” overnight stay

nearby home to see if he or she can still tolerate travel. 6. Gather and hold on to necessary papers and documents: insurance cards,

passports, physician’s phone number, medication refills, and a medical record. 7. Rest periods should be built into the travel schedule. Do not plan activities

for the night you arrive. 8. Save travel for the loved one’s best time of day. 9. Use services specifically designated for people with disabilities. 10. Spend as little time as possible in areas with large groups of people (more than 20),

loud noises, or lots of activity (for example, airport gate areas).

This piece originally appeared in our monthly e-newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe, go to www.alzheimerhelp.org and click the Newsletter button on our homepage.

How to Help Eliminate Back Aches

One of the most common physical complaints among adult caregivers is a back ache, especially if a disabled loved one requires assistance moving from one spot to another. Here are some tips for back care so you can stay strong, for you and for those who depend on you.

Know Your Limits. Do not lift objects – including people – without help if that thing or person is too heavy.

Lift with Care. Keep feet apart for balance, bend your knees to lower yourself and lift close to your body. Do not use your back to do the lifting. It’s all in the legs. Also, never pivot – face forward at all times when you are lifting and carrying.

Stay Balanced. A strong back starts with strong stomach muscles. Incorporate core-strengthening exercises, such as Pilates, into your daily routine. If your stomach and back are really weak, consider a back brace until you can strengthen both.

Sleep Firmly. Makes sure you sleep on a firm mattress, and that you do not sleep on your stomach.

Sit Down. Your knees should be higher than your hips when you sit in a car. For additional support, you can use a small pillow or rolled towel.

Stretch Regularly. Stretching key muscle groups helps increase your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

Wear Proper Shoes. No high heels. No shoes with flimsy soles (like some flip flops). Focus on comfort and support, even if the pair cost a few more pennies.

Control Your Weight. Goes without saying that being overweight puts additional stress on the lower back.

Maintain Good Posture. As we age, it becomes harder to maintain good posture. Make a point to suck in that stomach and sit or stand tall with properly alighted shoulders and hips.

These tips first appeared on our blog, Alzheimer’s Help for San Diego Families, at http://glennercenter.blogspot.com.

Julie Sugita Named Interim CEO

Julie A. Sugita, who has experience both professionally and personally with dementia care, has been named the interim CEO at The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers.

Julie replaces Kelly Focht, who left the organization in September to become a center manager for St. Paul’s PACE program.

Julie is a former periodontist who treated many elderly patients at her dental practice before health issues led her to a new career as a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and a National Certified Guardian.

It was during her own experience caring full time for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s Disease that she came to fully understand and appreciate the critical role programs such as our adult day programs and support groups provide to families dealing with complex healthcare issues.

“I have a passion for the caregivers’ journey because that’s where I came from,” she said. “To me, it’s an honor to be able to ensure the future of providing these services to caregivers and to help carry The Glenner Centers into the next 30 years.”

A graduate of San Diego State University, where she earned an M.S. in gerontology, Julie has extensive experience in marketing and business management as well as healthcare and the non-profit sector, where she provided startup development for a 501(c)3 foundation. She received both a B.S. in business administration and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University.

As interim CEO, Julie will oversee daily operations of the organization, provide leadership where needed, meet all fundraising and activities deadlines, and carry out responsibilities determined by the Search Committee.

Julie is a member of the Glenner Centers’ board of directors and LightBridge Hospice Community Foundation. She lives in Alpine with her husband, three children and many four-legged friends.

Julie Sugita

Making the Most of Each Day at Our Centers

4 Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2011-2012

Chula Vista

“Every day we have a schedule for

the participants to follow. Every

half hour it changes. We start with

breakfast and socialization and then

a morning news hour that we’ve now

integrated with trivia. We find that

the participants enjoy that kind of

interaction with their peers . . .

We have a very family-oriented feel

here. We look like a house, and that’s

something everyone is familiar with.

It’s cozy. It’s nice. And we call

everybody by their first name. It

gives them a sense of purpose and

a sense of accomplishment. It gives

them structure throughout their day.

They leave for home and they just

want to take a nap!”

Ana Salas Activity Coordinator, Chula Vista Center

Making the Most of Each Day at Our Centers

George G. Glenner Alzheimers Family Centers • www.alzheimerhelp.org 5

Encinitas

“We continually create and schedule events that will stimulate our participants mentally, physically, spiritually. We try to make sure our activities encompass them as a whole person. So we’ll do projects like arts and crafts … music therapy … and a lot of exercise to keep the bodies moving and keep everyone physically strong as well as mentally strong.”

Natalie Darst, Activity Coordinator, Encinitas Center

Hillcrest

“What I love to see is people having fun with each other and teasing each other and just being happy to be here. . . . When they come in, it’s like they are coming in to join family. It’s both comfortable and comforting. And when the participants go home, they’ve had a full day, they’ve had some fun, and they’ve been somewhere safe and happy. And hopefully they carry over that feeling of peace and contentment and happiness with whatever they’re doing.”

Maria Stefanic Activity Coordinator, Hillcrest Center

6 Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2011-2012

Our Caregivers See Big Improvements in Their Health and HomeIn September we asked caregivers at our three centers to anonymously rate our programs and received an overwhelming response. We wanted to share some of the data since it’s because of our staff, donors and volunteers that our participants and their families see improvements in every facet of their lives.

Our Participants’ Overall Health Improves

75% said their loved one is less anxious, depressed or agitated since coming to one of our centers

59% saw an improvement in social skills after bringing their loved one to our adult day programs

43% saw their loved one’s sleeping patterns improve at home

Caregivers See Big Improvements Too

83% of our caregivers experienced reduced stress levels

58% said their own health had improved

81% believe they are better caregivers now

“The information I receive [in my support group] is very helpful to me, particularly with daily care problems.”

“The attention and love my mother gets at the center helps her very confused life.”

“ The staff at the center is outstanding. They’re always positive and encouraging They are also very kind and patient with my mother.”

Ways You Can Help Our San Diego FamiliesThere are numerous ways you can financially contribute to our mission to provide quality adult day programs and resources for

some of the 90,000 families in San Diego caring for a loved one with memory impairment. Here are several options to consider:

• A personal contribution sent to The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc., 3702 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

• Planned gifts through your estate

• Gifts in honor or memory of someone, sent through our PayPal account or mailed to the address above

• United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (our agency code for both is 96021)

• The Ralph’s and Food 4 Less Rewards programs

• Donations or sponsorships for special events

For more information on any of these options, contact us at (619) 543-4700 or email information@glenner.org

George G. Glenner Alzheimers Family Centers • www.alzheimerhelp.org 7

Join a Caregiver Support Group

Our Caregiver Support Groups are open to community members and free of charge . Adult day care is provided for your loved one while you participate (if space is available), also at no charge . You do need to call the phone number[s] below in advance to confirm if you bring your loved one .

HILLCRESTWednesdays 3:00 p .m . to 4:30 p .m .3702 Fourth AvenueSan Diego(619) 543-4704

CHULA VISTAWednesdays 3:00 p .m . to 4:30 p .m .280 Saylor DriveChula Vista(619) 420-1703

ENCINITASWednesdays 10:00 a .m . to 11:30 a .m .Inside Silverado Senior Living335 Saxony RoadEncinitas(760) 635-1895

Your Donations Directly Impact All Walks of Life

It is not uncommon for someone at an event to come up to our exhibit and let us know The Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers made a huge difference in their lives. They once were caregivers, often spouses or adult children, at a crossroads in dementia care – wanting to keep their loved one close while watching that person’s memories and health slip away. Someone recognized they needed help and suggested our adult day programs and support groups.

Many of these men and women stay connected to our organization long after their loved one has passed. They remain part of support groups to help guide others through the sometimes tearful, sometimes joyful paths of dementia care. They volunteer with our participants.

And they contribute to our fundraisers and financial appeals. We’ve been especially blessed through the years to receive considerable gifts through memorial donations, bequests and other planned giving programs.

Each dollar we raise is used to improve the quality of life for those grappling with memory impairment. Whether it’s saving someone’s sanity through respite time or saving someone’s job by providing a safe, engaging place to leave their loved one, you who open your hearts and your wallets to support our mission are investing not just in someone’s current care but in an entire family’s future. Thank you for helping make so many wonderful memories for each and every one of us!

My husband’s dementia continues to worsen, but my ability to handle each phase of the disease has improved thanks to the support and guidance of everyone at the Glenner Center. I have the support group as an outlet to express my feelings and I attend the free educational forums to learn more about the disease.

My husband loves going to the Glenner Center. I take him two or three times a week. Each time we arrive he is warmly welcomed. It took no time for him to adjust to the adult day program. Even from Day 1 he never said he didn’t want to go back.

Importantly, the Glenner Center is helping me as I transition into a new phase of life. Tom now has trouble walking and is in a nursing home’s rehabilitation center. This was very hard for me because all of my life I’ve taken care of him, but it got to the point I wasn’t eating and my son and daughter insisted I take care of myself.

I can’t praise the people at Glenner enough. They not only helped me in every phase of my life since I came to the center, but I don’t think I would have been able to emotionally handle Tom’s move into the nursing home. I’d still be in denial, and that wouldn’t have been good for either of us.

Support, continued from page 1

and social adult day programs and family resources that are enjoyed by participants and appreciated by their caregivers.

We have special events planned through 2012 to commemorate our anniversary and to celebrate our continued support for and by those with close ties to senior care. Be sure to regularly check our web site (www.alzheimerhelp.org) and blog, Alzheimer’s Help for San Diego Families, to learn how you can be part of the celebrations.

Celebrating, continued from page 1

“Volunteers at the Glenner Center are our life’s blood.” – Maria Stefanic, Activity Coordinator, Hillcrest Center

Guardian Angels Forge Friendships with Our Seniors

Among the programs offered through The Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers is the county-funded Guardian Angels program that links volunteers with isolated seniors in long-term care facilities.

Volunteers are all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds who commit to 3 hours monthly for six months to visit a senior at one of 125 facilities throughout San Diego County. Time together ranges from walks and art projects to board games and special events. The possibilities are limited only by the pair’s imaginations.

If you’d like more information on the San Diego County Guardian Angel Program, contact Nya Moses at 619-543-4714.

Mission StatementOur mission is to provide quality adult day care and support services to families and others affected by Alzheimer’s and memory impairment diseases. We do this by providing the following-quality adult day programs, family support, case management, crisis intervention, family and community education, advocacy and information and referrals.

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2672San Diego, CA

92199

The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.3702 Fourth Avenue • San Diego, CA 92103

Let’s Stay In TouchBlog: http://glennercenter .blogspot .com Twitter: @GlennerCenters Facebook: www .facebook .com/GlennerCenters YouTube: www .youtube .com/GGGAlz10 E-Newsletter: Access our sign-up page via www .alzheimerhelp .org

Celebrating 30 years of serving San Diego County families . . . and another

30 years meeting their caregiving needs.