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Alzheimer’s Network Program and Services

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As Alzheimer’s worsens over time, going from early stages to advanced, the responsibilities of the caregiver grow as well. Alzheimer’s network program and services is here to help.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease that not only affects the individual with loss of memory and cognitive abilities, but it also creates stress and significant hardships on the family who are often caregivers for their loved ones. As Alzheimer’s worsens over time, going from early stages to advanced, the responsibilities of the caregiver grow as well. All too often they are not prepared nor do they have an outlet to help them cope with the progressive loss of their loved one. Alzheimer’s network program and services is here to help.

At Alzheimer’s Network of Oregon, our vision is to help create an enlightened and empowered community where no one walks alone. Our mission is to provide compassionate support, education, and outreach to those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. 

Alzheimer‘s Network of Oregon Adult Day Center-  To open the Fall of 2017!

Our adult day center can help to make a difference in a caregiver’s life. For those that need respite care services, we offer a safe, nurturing environment that will promote interaction and socialization for their loved one. Our day center will allow the caregiver to take care of errands, take a much-deserved break during the day for personal time, while feeling secure and confident that their loved one is safe and in good hands. 

Our other programs and services include:

Music and Memory iPod program

Alzheimer’s Network is proud to be able to offer the Music and Memory program to individuals.  We know that music has the power to positively influence those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Music creates moments for these individuals that elicit a positive interaction or emotions that facilitate cognitive function and stimulation.

Music Therapy

Our music therapy classes actively involve individuals in playing instruments and singing. Through their participation, they engage, laugh, sing and have fun.

Memory Screenings

We offer private memory screenings for individuals that are interested. The results are private and given to the individual to share with their Physician if warranted. It is not a diagnosis but merely a tool to be used to discuss with your clinician if you have other concerns.

Monthly Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Network offers monthly support groups for caregivers to meet with others that are in similar circumstances.

Care Navigation, Information and Referral Services and Educational Classes

We also offer educational classes and symposiums for caregivers, health care professionals and others that are interested.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Network
503-364-8100
www.Alznet.org

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The Rogue Valley Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services (RVCOG SDS)

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The Rogue Valley Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services (RVCOG SDS) is the gateway for anyone to access information and services.

The Rogue Valley Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services (RVCOG SDS) is the gateway for anyone to access information and services that will help people who:

  •  Are seniors or adults with disabilities.
  • Are family caregivers of seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Have parents, grandparents or other family members who are aging or have disabilities.
  • Have a neighbor or a friend who is aging or with disabilities.RVCOG is the designated Older Americans Act Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Jackson and Josephine Counties. The AAA partners with the State Medicaid Long-Term Care and Financial Assistance programs which are directly provided by District 8 Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) at three sites in Jackson and Josephine Counties.SDS staff provide one-on-one consultation about a broad array of private and public-funded services that are either directly provided through or funded by RVCOG SDS, including
  • Healthy Aging–Services that lead people to improve or maintain 30 health.
  • Living Well – A six-week workshop provides personal skill building to improve the quality of life for those with chronic disease, diabetes, or pain.
  • Food & Friends – Nutritious meals served at meal sites across the two-county area or delivered to homebound individuals.
  • PEARLS – Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors provides in-home counseling for adults age 55 years and older and people with disabilities who are experiencing depression.
  • REACH OUT – A program serving older adults and people with disabilities who are experiencing behavioral health challenges. Provides assessments and connection to regional resources.
  • Community Living – A range of home and community-based residential care and service options for those needing help with activities of daily living, including options for financial assistance.
  • Options Counseling – This supportive, proactive and interactive counseling service helps people and their families make informed decisions about meeting current and future long-term care needs. Contact Carol Terry at 541-471-2863.
  • Legal Assistance/Guardianship – Legal aid and protection for individuals 60 and older through contracted agencies.
  • Respite Care for Family Caregivers –RVCOG provides a grant which can be used to give a brief period of rest and relief for family members, guardians or others who are caregivers. *Contact Adult Foster Home Licensing – ADRC for more information at 541-618-7572.

Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

  • Information and assistance via phone 541-618-7572 or website- adrcoforegon.org, including Options Counseling, to assist individuals and family members to think through choices.
  • Safety & Rights – Tools to protect people as they age and people with disabilities from harm, abuse, or catastrophe.
  • Disaster Registry – A voluntary registry for people who would need special assistance during a disaster. Contact Connie Saldana at 541-423-1383.
  • Adult Protective Services – Investigation of cases of possible abuse of seniors or adults with disabilities including follow-up and consultation.
  • Adult Foster Home Licensing- Licensing to assure state quality and safety standards are met.
  • Economic Stability – Ensure a person/family will gain a minimum level of financial stability.
  • Lifelong Housing Certi cation – RVCOG SDS has developed the first certificate for an accessible/universal design that would permit residents to age in place.
  • Medicaid– Determination of eligibility for help with medical costs (Oregon Health Plan) and, in some cases, long-term care services for seniors and adults with disabilities.
  • SNAP – Determination of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps).

Article Provided by:
Rogue Valley Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services
541-664-6674

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Alzheimer’s Advanced Care Directives

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The client is able to give instructions and treatment preferences regarding their mental health care treatment in advance of the need for treatment.

A new alternative to the more common Advanced Directive is the  Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directive, developed by Lisa Brodoff, a professor at Seattle University School of Law.

The common Advanced Directive usually takes effect at the end of life when a person is no longer able to express a preference as to what type of treatment is wanted including: mechanical intervention, artificially administered hydration, nutrition, or antibiotics.  Advanced Directives do not take effect unless the patient has been determined by physicians to be terminally ill or in a permanent unconscious state.

Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directives take their cue from Mental Health Advanced Care Directives which have been around for a number of years.  These directives take effect when an individual is unable to express their instructions and preferences regarding their mental health care.  The client is able to give instructions and treatment preferences regarding their mental health care treatment in advance of the need for treatment.  It encourages dialogue between family and physicians related to healthcare.
Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Directives take the Mental Health Advanced Directive and focus the instructions and treatment preferences on quality of life issues for the Alzheimer’s or dementia client before the end of life.  The client executes this document while they have capacity which is most likely when they have just been diagnosed with a dementia illness.  They nominate someone (their agent) to carry out their instructions and preferences. The client expresses their desires in the Directive for how they want to be treated once they are determined to be incapacitated.

The Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directive allows you to make decisions in regards to:

  1.  Personal history and care value statements that explain the client’s reasons for executing the directive, their core values, important people and events in their life so their agent knows who they are and what is important to them.
  2. When the directive becomes effective and how long it will last. Maybe they want to have it effective when a physician states they no longer have capacity.  Maybe they want it effective in two years.  They can state that the directive is only effective for a certain period of time or until they die.
  3. The ability to revoke the directive. Can they do it when they only have capacity or when they are incapacitated?
  4. Preferences and instructions about care and treatment including: who they want to provide care, what medications they are comfortable with, care managers, or housing preferences.  They can include their preferences for visits by family and friends, driving, food, their environment, and other concerns.

Alzheimer’s Mental Health Advanced Care Directives provide a level of comfort and control about the end of life.  More importantly, they also give guidance to family or caregivers so that they know they are providing the care their loved one has chosen. What a blessing.
Article Provided by:
Rehmke Law, PS
253-460-3190
www.Rehmkelaw.com

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Early warning signs of Parkinson’s Disease

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Sometimes it is hard to tell that you might have Parkinson’s disease. The early symptoms are mild and could have other causes making it challenging even for experts to confirm an early diagnosis.

Sometimes it is hard to tell that you might have Parkinson’s disease. The early symptoms are mild and could have other causes making it challenging even for experts to confirm an early diagnosis.
Some of the more common early signs of Parkinson’s disease are indicated below. If you are noticing these warning signs and have unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor and ask for an evaluation. Many of these symptoms are normal, caused by medications or other conditions. An expert will be able to evaluate and help you determine their cause.

  1. Tremor or Shaking: Tremor or shaking of limbs is a common early sign of Parkinson’s.
  2. Small Handwriting: A sudden change in handwriting, such as smaller letter size, may be a sign of Parkinson’s.
  3. Loss of Smell: Sense of smell can be changed by a cold, flu or stuffy nose, but ask your doctor if it persists.
  4. Trouble Sleeping: Even in sleep, Parkinson’s signs can be detected with sudden movements and thrashing while deeply asleep.
  5. Trouble Moving or Walking: Stiffness and rigidity that doesn’t go away when you move or walk.
  6. Constipation: If you do not have enough water or fiber in your body, it can cause problems in the bathroom. Also some medications cause constipation. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned.
  7. A Soft Voice: While not always an early symptom, a very soft or hoarse sounding voice might be caused by Parkinson’s disease.
  8. Masked Face: If others comment that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood it could be related to PD.
  9. Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling dizzy or fainting can be signs of low blood pressure and can also be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
  10. Stooping Over: Many people with Parkinson’s experience stooping, leaning or slouching when standing.

No single one of these signs means that you should worry about Parkinson’s disease. If you have multiple indications or are concerned, you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor.

For more information about Parkinson’s disease and local services to help contact Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon at 800-426-6806.

Article provided by:
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
800-426-6806

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