The Caregiver Connection

Senior Connection Speakers Bureau

The goal of the Senior Connection is to connect Seniors and Family Caregivers with the products, services and support they need. One of the ways we do this is by providing information year-round via our Senior Connection Speakers Bureau.

You are invited to attend an upcoming Speakers Bureau presentation on the topic of Senior Communication Issues on Friday, May 18 from 2-3 p.m. in Prescott Valley. The aging process can affect not only our memory, but our ability to communicate effectively with friends, family and healthcare professionals. Ann Weaver, Community Service Representative, Home Instead Senior Care, will provide valuable information and practical tips to help seniors and their families overcome communication challenges that can be caused by aging. The presentation will be hosted by the Prescott Valley United Methodist Church, 8944 East Sommer Drive. Please see additional details in the Events section of this newsletter.

If you belong to a congregation, service club or other group that would like to have a local expert speak on a topic of interest to Seniors or Family Caregivers, please review the list of topics for which we currently have speakers available. The list can be found at our website http://www.seniorconnection.us/SpeakersBureau.html. The talks are educational in nature (no sales pitch for a particular company or product) and generally last 30 minutes, plus 10-15 minutes for Q & A. You can book as early or as far in advance as you’d like, and you may request more than one topic. There is no cost to your organization.

Making the Connection,
Debbie Stewart
Debbie@CaregiverConnection.us

Informational Articles

As Caregivers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished for your loved one each day. While it’s easy to remain upbeat on good days, it’s the bad days that can leave you feeling confused, exhausted or resentful. At these times, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. 

Knowing what to expect can help tremendously in your ability to cope. Knowledge is Power! Each month in this newsletter I include several articles on topics relating to the joys and challenges of Caregiving. To read additional articles on a variety of topics, please visit the Articles section of my website. Dozens of candid articles get right to the “heart of the matter,” from both the Caregiver’s and Senior’s perspectives. 

Click here http://www.SeniorConnection.us/Articles.htm

Please let me know if you find the articles useful and what other topics you’d like to see.

Nonprofit and For-Profit Partnerships
in Support of Seniors

Nonprofit organizations play a significant role in meeting the needs of Seniors and Family Caregivers in our local communities. Whether dispensing information and referrals, facilitating support groups, or providing direct services, it is often a nonprofit to which we turn for help. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and West Yavapai Guidance Clinic are just a few of the many nonprofit agencies available to us.

Since most nonprofit agencies provide their services for free or reduced rates, they rely heavily on the generosity of the community as a source of income. Whether selling tickets to fundraising events or raffles, or soliciting donations in the form of cash, goods, services or volunteer time, nonprofits spend a great amount of time asking for financial and in-kind support.

Much of this support comes from for-profit, commercial businesses. From a business standpoint, nonprofits and for-profits have much in common as far as their need to follow a business model. Nonprofits, however, follow a different social model due to the nature of the services they provide and the opportunities available to them through their tax-exempt charity status. They are in a unique position to ask for donations to help them meet their bottom line.

Unfortunately, when soliciting donations from the for-profit sector, most nonprofits are unaware how best to recognize business donors for their contributions of cash, goods, time and expertise. Conversely, many for-profit businesses are unaware of the limitations facing nonprofits when it comes to successfully suggesting ways to be recognized for their contributions.

For-profit businesses regularly participate in social endeavors to benefit the community in conjunction with nonprofit agencies, for which they derive a certain amount of good will in the community. However, there is no reason why these for-profit businesses should not be able to realize a significant improvement on their return on investment in the form of quality recognition, in exchange for their generosity.

Rather than simply sending a "thank you" letter, nonprofits should provide substantial recognition, such as acknowledgment in their newsletters, inclusion of their business supporters on the agency’s informational brochures, and mention in the media, where allowed.

If a for-profit business can easily identify the return on investment from their donations, nonprofits can reasonably expect higher donation support from for-profit businesses. In these tough economic times, whatever we can do to help both nonprofit and for-profit businesses flourish will ultimately benefit the community as a whole. And, when it comes to helping seniors and family caregivers meet the challenges associated with aging, we need all the help available to us from both a healthy nonprofit and for-profit sector.

If you would like to offer comments on this subject, or would like ideas on how best to put these ideas into practice, please feel free to contact me.

Resentment

Being a caregiver for your aging mom or dad could be compared to a battle. This is even more so if you are caring for a loved one who is terminally ill. That is because the battle you are fighting will ultimately end in the passing of your loved one. But you are committed to their health, happiness and well being and to do all you can to make their golden years as peaceful and enjoyable as you can.

So what would you consider the greatest enemy you fight in this battle? It might be the battle to keep your parent’s medications up to date and to make sure she takes them every day without fail. It is a struggle to keep up with the prescriptions, the frequency of dosage and to make sure your elderly mom or dad stays on top of it too.

The greatest enemy you fight might be financial concerns with the rising cost of rent, food and medical care. Keeping your retired parent’s bills paid and anticipating if they can pay them next month and next year is a source of constant worry for you as their caregiver.

But there is one enemy that is bigger than all of these. And the source of this enemy is not the economy or the retirement center or even in something going on with your parent at all. It is an enemy that seeks to hurt you and take you out of the picture. And that enemy is resentment. 

Resentment can get into your mind and cause you to begin brooding about things before you even know it's happening. But it’s an insidious enemy because if that resentment comes to full fruit, it will damage your willingness and ability to take care of your aging parent and seriously hurt your ability to be a caregiver at all. And if your loved one loses you as his or her primary caregiver, that is the worst loss they can endure because you are the one holding everything together for them.

Some of the resentment might be toward the systems that are supposed to help your parent. The Social Security and Medicare systems are constantly changing and becoming more complex each time some politician decides to use Social Security as a political tool. Resentment can also build up toward the facility where your parent is living if you feel your dad or mom are not getting the kind of care they need.

But the worst kinds of resentment are those you feel toward your siblings or toward the very aging parent that you are there to help. This is a serious problem because if you come to resent those you love the most, that resentment can go very deep and seriously hurt your ability to continue in the struggle to help your parent all you can. It’s easy to resent your siblings because you may have the job of primary caregiver just because you didn’t move far away. But the resentment you feel toward your aging parent is so easy to give in to because it comes from how needy they are and that often that senior citizen seems demanding and ungrateful for what you are trying to do.

So to beat resentment, you have to go back to why you are doing this in the first place. You are not doing it for your siblings and you are not even doing it for the senior himself to be honest about it. You are doing it because they took care of you when you were little and because it’s the right thing to do. And as long as you stay grounded to what is the real purpose of this mission, then you can fight this war and win it for yourself, for your parent and for everyone that loves him or her as well.

Author Unknown

Caring for the Caregiver

The relationship between an elderly person and his or her caregiver is complex and intense sometimes. But that relationship does not exist in a vacuum. There are a lot of people affected by what is going on when that caregiver goes to that senior citizen's apartment and gives to him or her that one on one attention that is so necessary. 

For one thing, the caregiver’s friends, family and coworkers are affected. Becoming the primary person responsible for the care and well being of a senior citizen is a peculiar job because it is tremendously demanding and completely unpaid. Caregivers are for the most part children or close relatives of the senior citizen being cared for and they have jobs, families and a full life outside of the time they put in taking care of their parent or parents.

So when that responsibility falls to you, those around you also have to give a little to help you accomplish that goal. But for those who are related to a caregiver, there is a demand on you as well. If mom has to go over to Grandpa’s apartment every night for two or three hours, that means mom isn’t home helping you with your homework, making supper or just being available if her little girl needs someone to talk to.

If dad is gone thirty or forty hours a week taking care of Grandpa, that is time he is not home providing guidance for his kids, fixing the garbage disposal or making those corny but fun jokes the kids groan about but love. Similarly, the friends and working world of a caregiver are also asked to give up a little or a lot of the mind, the emotions and the time of that caregiver so he or she can go and care for that elderly parent and divert that energy and time in that direction.

For those of us who have a caregiver in our family or part of our social or work circle, in addition to the sacrifices, you can become concerned for your friend or loved one because of the demands of caring for a senior citizen. It’s a job that is taxing to even the strongest adult and one that takes a lot out of your friend or family member. Caregiver burn out is a common syndrome and it doesn’t just affect the caregiver. If your parent, spouse, coworker or friend undergoes a break down from the stress of caring for her mom or dad, that will have an impact on everyone.

So there is a compelling need for all of us associated with a caregiver to learn to care for that caregiver to help her and support her in what she is doing. Some specific things you can do are…

§ Let them know you believe in what they are doing. Caregivers often feel very alone and guilty that they are not attending to family and other relationships. By letting her know you are 100% behind what she is doing and that you are doing fine, that guilt is removed which makes her know she can make it.

§ Let her know she is missed. 

§ Pick up the slack. Each evening if dad and the kids can pick up the house, then mom can get some sleep and know that you are taking care of business at home so she doesn’t have to worry about it.

§ Let mom sleep in. Maybe even bring her breakfast in bed every so often.

§ Pitch in. Go over and help grandma out yourself so it’s not all on mom.

§ An unexpected surprise. Every so often do something to surprise and totally delight mom and give her a fun break from her worries of care giving. A movie out or a limo ride around town can go a long way for a weary caregiver.

If the spouse, the children and friends and associates of the coworker can keep an eye on her to look out for those signs of burn out, it may be our responsibility to jump in and give her some support before everything falls apart. By caring for the caregiver, she is better able to give attention to that senior citizen she is caring for. So in a way we are all becoming part of the effort to give the caregiver’s mom or dad the best care possible. And that is what community is all about.

Author Unknown

MEETINGS - EVENTS -
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Dates and times of meetings and events sometimes change at the last minute. It’s a good idea to call ahead before heading out, just to be sure.

COLOR ME SPRING is the name of an elegant luncheon and fashion show fundraiser being co-hosted by Neighbor to Neighbor and Central Arizona Seniors Center (CASA) Meals on Wheels on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at CASA, 9630 Manzanita Circle in Prescott Valley. Event includes lunch, live music, silent auction, and fashions modeled by local dignitaries and volunteers. Cost: $20 in advance/$25 at the door (check, cash or VISA). Proceeds will be shared by the two nonprofit agencies, both of which serve seniors in Prescott Valley and the surrounding communities. Info: 772-3337 or 775-6145.

CANCER SURVIVOR RECEPTION and complementary lunch will occur May 8 beginning at 11 a.m. at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. In advance of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life, all cancer survivors are invited to the Reception. Please rsvp immediately if you wish to attend. Call (928) 526-7346.

WHAT IS A LTAC? is the name of a free presentation to occur Tuesday, May 8 from 1-2 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 Rosser Street. Presented by Sara Paxton, MSW, Tillium Specialty Hospital. Info: 778-3000

VERDE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (VVMC) is sponsoring a Take Note Sedona Lecture Series. The Tuesday, May 8 lecture, Know Your Heart History – Effective Communication With Your Doctors, will feature interventional cardiologist Bruce Peek. The lecture begins at 5 p.m. at the Sedona Library, 3250 White Bear Rd. To RSVP or for more info on this free event, call (928) 639-6551.

HOW CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS HELP MORE THAN YOUR FEET is the name of a free presentation to occur Tuesday, May 15 from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 Rosser Street. Presenter is Dr Nelson of HealthSource Chiropractic of Prescott. Dr Nelson is a Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Physiotherapy, and a Certified Weight Loss Coach. Info: (877) 521-3500.

HOW TO AVOID FAMILY CONFLICT & GUILT – COMPLETE YOUR LIVING WILL is the name of a free seminar to occur Tuesday, May 15 from 2-5 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser Street. Presenter is Janet Hafner, MA, Community Partnership for Comfort Care volunteer. Participants will receive the Five Wishes document and receive help completing it. Info: 778-3000.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR COMFORT CARE (CPCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides residents and professionals with information and assistance related to end-of-life planning. They provide facilitated sessions to help you understand end-of-life options and fill out documentation that lets loved ones know what you do and don’t want should you become incapacitated. Three-hour sessions include topics such as Choosing a Representative, Understanding Medical Treatment Choice, and Comfort Care. Participants are then guided through the process of completing the 5 Wishes document which outlines your desires for care, comfort and compassion during the end of your life. Upcoming sessions will be held on May 15 (see entry above), July 17 and Sept 11 at the Prescott Adult Center on Rosser. There is no charge to attend. CPCC members are also available to provide a 30-minute overview of the end-of-life planning process, as part of the Senior Connection Speakers Bureau. If you would like to schedule a 30-minute presentation for your church, club or other group, please visit www.SeniorConnection.us and select the link to the Speakers Bureau or contact Debbie Stewart at Debbie@SeniorConnection.us.

UNDERSTANDING THE REVERSE MORTGAGE is the title of a free presentation to occur on Wednesday, May 16 from 1-2 p.m. at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Street. Presenter will beBill Binkey, Senior Reverse Mortgage Consultant. Info: 778-3000.

MY GIFT TO YOU, MY SURVIVOR – Answers to Your Questions After I Am Gone is a free presentation to occur May 16 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E. Rosser Street. Presented by June Sherod, Certified Hospice Volunteer (30+ years at VA), June provides a gift of time, resources and information. You will save your loved one(s) or executor a great amount of trouble, and be able to bless them with personal details they could not have anticipated. You will be provided with a free do-it-yourself booklet, which includes forms that you can personalize for your needs. No matter the size of your estate, preparing this miscellaneous info is the kindest thing you can do for your survivors. Info: 778-3000.

SENIOR COMMUNICATION ISSUES is the title of a free presentation to occur on Friday May 18 from 2-3 p.m. in Prescott Valley. The aging process can affect not only our memory, but our ability to communicate effectively with friends, family and healthcare professionals. Ann Weaver, Community Service Representative, Home Instead Senior Care, will provide valuable information and practical tips to help seniors and their families overcome communication challenges that can be caused by aging. Sponsored by the Senior Connection, the presentation will be hosted by Prescott Valley United Methodist Church, 8944 East Sommer Drive. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Jeannie Ward at cjward44@q.com or 772-6760. The church is a Senior Connection Community Partner, which means they have made a special commitment to help the Senior Connection attain our mutual goal to assist Seniors and Family Caregivers.

2012 SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS is the theme of the Sedona Sunrise Center for Adults’ annual spring conference, to occur on Saturday May 19 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Featured speakers will focus on senior concerns including memory loss, family caregiving, financial challenges, latest research and options for senior care. Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Includes lunch. Location is Sedona United Methodist Church. For more information call (928) 282-8969.

GRANITE MOUNTAIN HOME CARE & HOSPICE invites the public to attend their annual Butterfly Release Memorial Service on Sunday, May 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Hill Top Pavillion at Heritage Park in Prescott (off Willow Creek Road to Heritage Road, across from Embry Riddle, then follow signs). Handicap access and complimentary valet parking.

ADULT CARE SERVICES will hold their annual fundraiser Gala Benefit Concert on Sunday May 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the Prescott Center for the Arts, 208 N Marina Street. Liz Story, 3-time Grammy Award nominee will perform, and wine & hors d’oeuvres will be served in the courtyard beginning at 4:30 p.m. (i.e. prior to the concert). Advance reservations required. Cost is $120 per person. Tickets available at the box office or by calling 445-3286.

PLAN AHEAD WITH ADVANCED DIRECTIVES is a free training session for families and health care professionals, to occur on Wednesday, May 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Prescott. Presenter is Bonnie Shimko, Elder Care Advisor with JacksonWhite Elder Law. Location: Highgate Senior Living, 1600 Petroglyph Point Drive. Please rsvp via www.arizonaseniorlaw.com/resources or call Bonnie at (928) 300-6344 for more information.

FAMILY CAREGIVER CLASS will occur on May 23, 24, 30 and 31 from 9:30 - noon each day at the Margaret T Morris Center, 878 Sunset Avenue in Prescott. The class is co-sponsored by NACOG Area Agency on Aging and the Margaret T Morris Center and is aimed at non-professional caregivers who are caring for a family member. You will learn: Body mechanics, skin & oral care, peri care, communication, caregiver tips & strategies as well as how to avoid burnout, and much more. There is no charge to participate, however, you must commit to attend all four sessions. Respite care will be available to your loved one while you are in the class. Class size is limited and registration is required.  For information and registration, call 1-877-521-3500.

HIGHGATE SENIOR LIVING is offering a Virtual Dementia Tour on May 31 from 4-6 p.m. If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, this dementia simulation will show you what it’s like to suffer from debilitating memory loss. By experiencing the mental and physical challenges yourself, you’ll be better able to empathize and create a positive atmosphere for your loved one. The event is free and includes a light dinner. Reservations are needed as space is limited to 20 participants (future dates are being scheduled). Location: 1600 Petroglyph Pointe Dr in Prescott. RSVP to 541-1400.

CENTRAL ARIZONA SENIORS ASSOCIATION (CASA) is sponsoring the Main Street Craft Faire June 1-3 in Prescott Valley’s Entertainment District. Proceeds from booth rental fees will support their nutrition and outreach programs for vulnerable seniors. Info: Mary Wise 772-3337.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR COMFORT CARE (CPCC) is partnering with Mountain Artists Guild to present Departures: The Art of Leaving This Place art exhibition and sale from June 8-10. This is a juried art show to include works inspired by end-of-life, aging, dying, death, loss, bereavement, or spiritual and philosophical perspectives relating to these topics. There will be an Opening Gala on Friday June 8 from 6-9 p.m. Live music, hos d’oeuvers and wine will be served. Location is 228 N Alarcon in Prescott. For information, call (928) 308-4292.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Relay For Life fundraiser will occur at Prescott High School beginning at 6 p.m. on June 8 and continue until 8 a.m. on June 9. Similar events will occur across the country. Individuals and teams camp out overnight at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Info: RelayForLife.org or (928) 526-7346.

HEALTH FAIR, sponsored by Prescott Medical Imaging, will occur on Saturday June 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Approximately 20 companies and organizations that provide health-related products and services will participate. The event will occur in PMI’s parking lot at 810 Whipple Street in Prescott. Free admission. Info: 771-7577.

ADULT CARE SERVICES/The Margaret T. Morris Center and The Centers Adult Day Services is holding a Passport to Paradise raffle, as part of Adult Care Services’ 30 year anniversary fundraising efforts. Each ticket is $20 with a grand prize of a pair of round trip airline tickets on Southwest Airlines anywhere they fly. Second prize is a $500 gift certificate from Bridgestone tires, good toward the purchase of new tires anywhere Bridgestone or Firestone tires are sold. There are several other prizes, including tickets on the Grand Canyon Railway and a designer watch from Swatch. Drawing will be held on June 15. To purchase a ticket, contact Stephen Whisenhunt in the ACS administration office located at 844 Sunset Ave, or by e-mail at stephen@adultcareservices.org. Indicate how many tickets you would like.

LIVING CONFIDENTLY WITH HEARING LOSS is a 3-part class to occur on Thursdays, July 12, 19, and 26 from 3- 5 pm. The series is free and will provide captioning to facilitate participation. Location will be the Chapel at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 3700 Willow Creek Road in Prescott. Those interested in registering are encouraged to contact Jack Clevenger at 227-1809 or email HLAofPrescott@yahoo.com.

HEALTH SOURCE CHIROPRACTIC in Prescott offers a 30-minute massage for $10 (this is a $40 value), with all proceeds given to CASA (Central Arizona Seniors Association). Contact Mary at CASA for details at 772-3337.

KIN CARE, LLC, a non-medical in-home service provider located in Prescott Valley invites members of the community to get their vitals (blood pressure) taken for free every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. from now through June 20. Each time you do, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate good towards housekeeping or in-home care. Location is 3050 N Navajo Drive, Suite 103. Info: 775-2057.

PRESCOTT MEALS ON WHEELS FUNDRAISER – If you shop at Fry’s stores for groceries or gasoline, you can support PMOW at no cost to you. To get started in the program, purchase a $5 Gift Card for $5 (an even exchange), then put more money on it for future purchases, to be used the same as cash. Twice a year Prescott Meals on Wheels gets 2-6% of the value of what you have purchased. Cards must be purchased through Prescott Meals on Wheels at the Community Center, 1230 Rosser, or by calling 443-5069.

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR is a nonprofit agency that provides volunteers to assist adults in the Prescott Valley area. They are looking for Call Center Volunteers. If you can spend a few hours per week answering phone calls from Neighbors (homebound adults and seniors) please contact them at (928) 775-6145 or send an email to neighbor@northlink.com. Visit www.ntnaz.org for more information about the nonprofit organization.

PEOPLE WHO CARE is a nonprofit agency that coordinates volunteer assistance for adults living in Prescott and Chino Valley who can no longer drive due to medical or age-related issues. The agency is seeking compassionate volunteers who can provide transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store, offer friendly visits, make simple home repairs, and more. For information call 445-2480 in Prescott or 636-3295 in Chino Valley, visit www.PeopleWhoCareAZ.com, or Email Sarah Kolakowski at skolakowski@ycvp.org. Volunteer orientations are held at the Prescott office 505 West Gurley Street and are scheduled for the following dates: Wednesday, May 16: 9:30 -11:30, Tuesday, June 12: 9:30 - 11:30, Thursday, July 12: 1:30 - 3:30. One-on-One orientations can be arranged if these dates do not work for you.

SUPPORT GROUPS - CLASSES - ASSISTANCE

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP meets Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. at Unity Church, 145 S Arizona in Prescott and at Prescott Valley United Methodist Church, 8944 E Sommer Drive. Info: 771-9257. In Sedona, there is a group that meets at the Sedona Sunrise Center, 110 Indian Cliffs Road on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Info: 282-8969. For those caring for someone affected by any form of memory loss or dementia, whether diagnosed or not. Newcomers always welcome – no advance notice required. Confidentiality of participants maintained.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION has educational programs for both the caregiver and person with dementia, including CarePro, Epic (Early-state Partners In Care) and Connections Plus.  Info: 771-9257 in Prescott.

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are free and facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Local residents with diabetes, their spouses and caregivers are invited. Location is the YRMC West Wellness Center, Community Education Room in Prescott. Info: 771-5794.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION Land-Based Exercise Class occurs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Classes are free, however, donations are appreciated to help support the Prescott Arthritis Foundation’s Summer Camp for Kids. Info: 759-8800.

ASPERGERS SUPPORT GROUP for those affected and their families are welcome to attend meetings the first Wednesday each month at 6 p.m. at the VA medical Center in Prescott, Mental Health Building 155, Room 107. Meeting starts with a potluck, followed by a discussion or speaker until 8 p.m. Please contact David Fero at dfero@cableone.net or 830-0723 for more info.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m. at Arizona Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 S Cortez St, Prescott in the Carriage House; and Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. at Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel, 8480 E Valley Road in Prescott Valley. Information: 445-2221. Also meets Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser. Info: 778-3000.

BETTER BREATHERS SUPPORT GROUP – In cooperation with the American Lung Association, Yavapai Regional Medical Center offers community-based educational opportunities and support to those with chronic lung disease (COPD) and their families, friends and support persons. Meetings occur the 3rd Monday of each month from 4-5 p.m. at Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W Gurley. No cost to attend. Info: 771-5264.

BLOOD PRESSURE – free blood pressure readings are offered courtesy of Nurses Network every Thursday between 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Central Arizona Seniors Association (CASA), 9360 Manzanita Circle in Prescott Valley. Info: 772-3337. Available the second Monday of the month from 11:30-1, the third Thursday of the month from 11:30-12:30, and the fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:30-12:30 at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser. For information call 778-3000. Also available every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Mayer Elder’s Club, courtesy of the Mayer Fire Department at 10051 Miami Street in Mayer. Information: 632-7511.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP meets the second and fourth Wednesday each month from 3 - 4:30 p.m. at the Step One Community Center, 6719 E. 2nd Street in Prescott Valley. Info: Douglas 759-0230.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP - the group that has met every Thursday from 3-4 p.m. at The Center Adult Day Services, 3407 N Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley will be on hiatus until further notice.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP is offered by Adult Care Services for family members of loved ones who participate in Adult Care Services Programs. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10 a.m. at The Margaret T. Morris Center, 878 Sunset Avenue in Prescott. Info: 771-2335.

CHINO VALLEY COMMUNITY LOAN CLOSET has items such as canes, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, walkers, bath benches and toilet risers. Sponsored by Chino Valley People Who Care, Chino Valley United Methodist Church, Chino Valley Senior Center, and Chino Valley Area Citizens, the Loan Closet is located in the Chino Valley Methodist Church, 735 E Road 1 South. Donations of additional equipment always welcome. Info: 636-3295.

DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM, sponsored by Verde Valley Medical Center, will include monthly diabetes support groups on the fourth Monday of each month to provide a supportive and sharing environment for all individuals, family members and friends affected by the disease. Meetings focus on diabetes management and education. The May support group will occur on Monday May 21 from 5-7 p.m. in VVMC’s Conference Rooms B and C, features guest speaker Mary May, R.N., C.D.E. The group is open to all members of the community. Please R.S.V.P. to (928) 639-6346. Walk-ins welcome.

FILE OF LIFE is an efficient and potentially life-saving way to ensure important medical information is quickly available to emergency personnel. The packet contains forms that are placed in your wallet and on your refrigerator via a magnetic backing, making it easily accessible during times of medical emergencies. Provided free by Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), 771-5678.

FRAUD FIGHTERS – if you think you’ve been a victim of consumer fraud or civil rights violation, you can meet with an Attorney General Volunteer on Mondays from 10-noon at the Prescott Adult Center. For immediate help, call (800) 352-8431 toll-free.

FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE OF NORTHERN ARIZONA has volunteers available Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser Street to meet with community members interested in the pre-planning of a simple, dignified and affordable funeral. This free information is made available through the group’s affiliation with the Funeral Consumers Alliance, recognized by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission as an unbiased source of funeral information. No appointment necessary. Info: Frank Ockenfels 445-9261.

GOLD STAR MOTHERS have lost sons and daughters in the military service. Their goal is to support each other and support soldiers currently serving, as well as veterans and fallen soldiers. Info: Jasmine Crowl at 499-5565 in Prescott.

GRANDFAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP for grandparents who are raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday each month at 10 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1202 Green Lane in Prescott. Info: 778-9122.

HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION of Prescott meets on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Prescott Public Library. There is a specific topic discussed each month for those who are hard of hearing, as well as information and support. Info: Jack Clevenger at jclevenger_85202@yahoo.com.

HIP REPLACEMENT CLASS – facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, meets the third Thursday of the month at noon in the Wellness Center at YRMC West in Prescott; and the second Monday in Prescott Valley at 9 a.m. in the conference room, 2nd floor, in the Del E Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley. Info: 771-5131.

HOSPICE – Good Samaritan Society Hospice Grief Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Prescott Village Apartments, 1030 Scott Drive in Prescott and from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Windsong Villas Apartments, 3386 N Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Info: 778-5655.

HOSPICE of the Pines Support Group meets Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Adult Center of Prescott, 1280 E Rosser Street and Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Step One Community Center, 6719 E 2nd Street in Prescott Valley. Info: 632-0111.

JOINT REPLACEMENT CLASSES –facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center physical rehabilitation staff, these one-hour educational classes are free in Prescott and Prescott Valley for local residents considering or scheduled for total knee or hip replacement surgery. Attendees will learn the different aspects of the surgeries, be able to ask questions, receive tips on preparing for surgery, and receive information on the exercises that will be initiated after surgery. Please see the entries in this section for YRMC’s Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement classes.

JOINT REPLACEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM occurs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 -2:30 in Prescott. Granite Mountain Home Care welcomes your attendance to a free seminar led by Bill McMahon, Director of Rehab Services. Bill will help you prepare for your pending procedure. Gaining a proper perspective is one of the key factors in helping you experience a satisfying recovery. Location is 3107 Clearwater Drive (in The Crossings Business Park). Call Char at 445-2522 for more info and reservations.

KNEE REPLACEMENT CLASS – facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center, meets the fourth Friday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Wellness Center at YRMC West in Prescott; and the third Monday in Prescott Valley at 9 a.m. in the conference room, 2nd floor, in the Del E Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley. For info, 771-5131.

LOSS SUPPORT GROUP meets Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m., sponsored by Hospice of the Pines. Location is the Mayer Elder’s Club, 10051 Miami Street. Info: 632-7511.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN CLOSET for medical equipment and usable medical supplies is maintained by Hospice of the Pines. Availability varies based on items donated by members of our community. Use of the items is free, however, it is requested they be returned when no longer needed. If you have items you are no longer using, please consider donating them. The Loan Closet is located within the Stepping Stones Thrift Store, 6719 E 2nd Street in Prescott Valley. Hours of the Loan Closet are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. and Friday from 10-1, based on volunteer availability. To arrange for a donation or to request the use of an item, call 632-0111.

MEDICARE SPECIALISTS provide free, individual assistance at the following locations: Third Thursday of the month at Central Arizona Seniors Association (CASA), 9360 Manzanita Circle in Prescott Valley. Info: 772-3337. The first and third Wednesdays from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E Rosser. To schedule an appointment, call 778-3000. Also, periodically at the Mayer’s Elder Club, 10051 Miami Street. Info: 632-7511.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Info: 759-8800.

PET GRIEF SUPPORT for those coping with the loss of a pet. Call Peggy at 445-4114.

PRESCOTT ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP meets the second Wednesday each month at local restaurants. For those who have received or are waiting for transplants, as well as their family and friends. Info: Tom or Elaine Smith 443-5808.

PRESCOTT PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP conducts monthly educational meetings for people with Parkinson’s Disease, their carepartners and friends. Meetings occur the third Thursday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 231 W Smoke Tree Lane, Prescott. For info about group meetings, meetings just for care partners, or special groups for people with deep brain stimulation, contact Kay Bolander 778-2242 or Alan Richardson 442-1380.

PARKINSON’S CAREGIVER GROUP – a subset of the Prescott Parkinson’s Support Group, this group is for spouses and adult children caregivers for those with Parkinson’s. Primary focus is support, rather than education. Meetings occur the second Thursday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Step One Community Center, 6719 E 2nd Street in Prescott Valley. The building is south of Highway 69, behind Stepping Stones’ big red thrift store. Group meets in room #4, which is next to the Coffee Shop on the left, near the back, between the two gray buildings. Please do not park in front of the coffee shop. Call Kay for info at 778-2242.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP of the Verde Valley meets the second Friday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. in Conference Room B at the Verde Valley Medical Center. The group is led by Judy Talley MAG, who is Community Liaison for Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in Prescott Valley. At its upcoming May 11th meeting, the group will hear from Dr. Brian Chang, MD. Dr. Chang specializes in Opthamology at the Southwestern Eye Center in Cottonwood and will speak about the visual effects of Parkinson's Disease. All meetings are open to the public and offer the opportunity for those attending to meet with other people who have Parkinson's or are caring for someone with Parkinson's disease. Info: (928) 202-7952.

PHYSICIAN LISTING SERVICES is provided by Yavapai Regional Medical Center. For information about the availability of physicians who serve and are accepting senior patients in the extended Prescott area, call 771-5106.

RESPIRATORY WELLNESS CLASSES - facilitated by Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), the goal is to help people manage COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Upcoming topic in Prescott: Oxygen & Traveling, May 7 from 10-11:30 a.m., Location: Thumb Butte Room. Upcoming topic on the east campus in Prescott Valley: Exercise, Activity & COPD, May 7 from 1-2:30 p.m., Location: Pronghorn Room. Classes are free, however, registration is required. For info or to register, call 771-5264.

REVERSING HEART DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP meets the second Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m. at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Wellness Center in Prescott (across from the YMCA). Topics include dietary changes, stress reduction, exercise techniques and research outcomes. There is no charge to attend, however, pre-registration is suggested. Info: 771-5794.

SENIORS IN SOBRIETY Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 Rosser Street. Info: www.prescottaa.org or 445-8691.

SENIOR SUPPORT GROUPS meet weekly in Prescott. Groups include "Women of Wisdom," a "Men’s Support Group," and an "Artful Aging Support Group." Sponsored by the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, participants do not have to be a client of the Clinic nor go through a formal intake process. For upcoming dates and locations, please call 445-5211 ext 2672. All meetings are free and open to the public.

SPINAL CORD INJURY SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 3700 N. Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley. Information: 759-8800.

TAKE YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL is a free Back Care Certification Course to occur at YRMC on April 4 from 6-7 p.m. in Prescott. Learn about the causes, care and prevention of back pain. This one hour course will be taught by a licensed YRMC Physical Therapist. Location: YRMC Wellness Center, Community Education Room, Prescott. Class is free, but reservations are required by calling 771-5131.

TRANSPORTATION– the Mayer Elder’s Club van is available to take local residents to doctor’s appointments, for labwork, to pick up prescriptions or shop for groceries. Call (928) 632-7511 to make a reservation. Please provide at least one week’s notice.

TRANSPORTATION is available through New Horizons Independent Living Center, a nonprofit agency located in Prescott Valley. Accessible, lift-equipped vans, regular mini-vans and a car, as well as trained drivers are available to take clients to medical appointments, therapy, going to work, to a movie, shopping, to the mall and more. Vouchers are accepted. For information on rates or to schedule a ride, call 775-8870.

This Month:

• Informational Articles

• Nonprofit & For-Profit Partnerships

• Resentment

• Caring for the Caregiver

• Meetings - Events - Education

• Support Groups & Assistance

Please let our Community Partners and Member Agencies know you found them in the Caregiver Connection Newsletter.