Happenings! May 2017

May 12, 2017

Alzheimer's Aid Society
Happenings!
Supporting the caregiver. Remembering the cared for.

In this issue:

Beatrice Amy Gorman
New Edition of the California Alzheimer's Clinical Care Guideline
Info for Caregivers: Information to Share with Your Loved One
Golf Tournament - Sponsorships Available
Upcoming Events
What is "Happenings!"

Beatrice Amy Gorman

We are sad to announce that our founder, Bea Gorman, peacefully passed away after a long battle with cancer in January. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Gorman.

While living in South Lake Tahoe in the 1960s and 70s, Bea began her desperate search to find out all she could about the horrible disease, early-onset familial Alzheimer's. This rare form of Alzheimer's disease plagued her family and took both of her brothers, two sisters, a niece and her mother, all in their early 50's. Just as important was her effort to see what was being done to cure it. The first time she went to a doctor to find out about the disease, the doctor read a one-line description from a medical book, which was the extent of what was known about the disease.

Bea formed a single small support group in Lake Tahoe to discuss the disease, and develop a support network for the caregivers of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. The support group expanded rapidly. Soon people would come from as far as Sacramento to share the effect of the disease in their families.

In the early 1980s, Bea and John moved their family to Lodi. Bea knew there was a need, so she founded the Alzheimer's Aid Society of Northern California. Its mission was to provide support and information to families, caregivers, doctors and other medical personnel affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Aid Society expanded and provided support groups, newsletters, and educational talks throughout Northern California. Bea and Johnny were asked to speak throughout the U.S. She was tireless in her efforts.

Bea authored a well-read book, "Will I Be Next", that told the story of her family’s journey through early-onset, familial Alzheimer's disease. She was a pioneer in gaining attention of Alzheimer’s and for pushing for research to begin understanding it.

Bea and John’s efforts have been a blessing for all the people she touched during her life. Their legacy will continue in the work of Alzheimer’s Aid Society.

New Edition of the California Alzheimer's Clinical Care Guideline
The California Department of Public Health has released the fourth edition of the California Alzheimer's Clinical Care Guidelines to help primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants better diagnose and document the disease. These Guidelines cover assessment, care plan, education and support, and important considerations. They are a great resource to share with your doctor as you work together for the best care of your loved one. See other resources from the California Alzheimer’s Disease Program.

Info for Caregivers: Information to Share with Your Loved One
When you and your loved one get a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia, you have questions. A great resource is the "By Us For Us" Guides which are designed to equip persons with dementia with the necessary tools to enhance their well-being and manage daily challenges. What makes these guides particularly useful is that they are created by persons with dementia and/or partners in care, for persons with dementia and/or partners in care. They were produced at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada by the Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program. Here's a sampling of the "By Us For Us" Guides:

Before/Early Diagnosis This guide is meant to provide help and reassurance for those who are concerned about possible symptoms of dementia and provides knowledge about the diagnosis, assessment and testing process.
Managing Triggers A practical guide focusing on managing triggers associated with social situations, verbal communication, changes of abilities and memory, and managing your environment and negative emotions.
Enhancing Communication This guide provides practical solutions for persons with dementia and emphasizes the importance of using a wide range of communication strategies in order to make opinions, feelings and experiences known.

Golf Tournament - Sponsorships Available
The 14th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 15, 2017 at Teal Bend Golf Club. Want your organization recognized at the Tournament? Sponsorships are now available! Get together with your friends and plan for a great day! Register your foursome TODAY!! We will also display your logo on our website!!

Upcoming Events

May 18 at 2:00 p.m. - Alzheimer's Café in Woodland at St. John's Retirement Village, 135 Woodland Avenue, Woodland. Call (530) 662-1290 to confirm.
May 17 at 3:30 p.m. - Alzheimer's Café in the Sacramento Rosemont area at Golden Pond Senior Living, 3415 Mayhew Road, Sacramento.
June 3 at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Revere Court's Annual Open House & Senior Resource Fair, 7707 Rush River Drive, Sacramento, (916) 392-3510
September 15 - Annual Golf Tournament at Teal Bend Golf Course

What is "Happenings!"
"Happenings!" is the our monthly e-mail newsletter for the Alzheimer's Aid Society. We send it at the beginning of the month so you can stay up-to-date on events and news in northern California. We will also include tips for caregivers and highlight new scientific research. Recent issues are available on our website. Do you have a comment or feedback? Please reply to this message - we would love to hear from you.

A Non-Profit, 501 (c)(3), Tax-Deductible Corporation Tax ID# 94-2721961