The Caregiving Journey

Announcing a free town hall forum for those providing care to a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, "The Caregiving Journey: Practical Advice from Experts in the Field." This informational morning session will feature local professionals providing information for caregivers to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Thursday July 30, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lake San Marcos Resort Conference Center
1025 La Bonita Drive
San Marcos, CA 92078

Featured speakers:

• Alan Berkowitz, MD (Geriatric psychiatrist)
• Dawn Carnerie-DeStefani, BSW (Social worker and adult day center manager)
• Neil Levine, MD (Internist)
• Scott Stewart (Elder law attorney)

Topics to be covered:

• Overview of the different stages of Alzheimer's disease
• Nutrition and hydration in Alzheimer's disease
• Long term care costs and planning for the future
• Legal decisions following a diagnosis of dementia
• Exploring adult day care centers

To RSVP, call Health Care Group at (858) 565-4424. Three hours of continuing education credit will be offered for professionals through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Board of Registered Nursing.

Health Care Group, Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers, AARP, and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center are presenting this event, and free adult day care will be offered at the Glenner Alzheimer's Family Center in Encinitas. Call (760) 635-1895 to arrange.

Young @ Heart

If you have not seen this documentary, run to the video store, or put it at the top of your Netflix queue. This heartwarming story about a choir consisting of members in their 70s, 80s and 90s is a perfect example of how staying active physically and mentally keeps one vibrant and healthy. Young @ Heart is no ordinary choir. You won't be hearing Handel's "Messiah" from them. They sing musical hits from today's current pop artists, like Coldplay and The Clash (with a little James Brown thrown in) with as much gusto as they can conjure.

The documentary follows the chorus as they learn new songs, and practice for upcoming concerts, all while battling personal health issues and building friendships. Bob Cilman, the choir's director since it's inception in 1982, can be firm with the members at times, but they don't seem to mind. Putting on a great show is everyone's goal, and they will do what it takes to make it happen, even if it means ignoring doctor's orders. Learn more about this fantastic group on their website: http://www.youngatheartchorus.com/. Maybe they will be performing in a city near you soon.

This film will give you a new perspective on the elderly population. To borrow a quote from their website, "It is possible to grow old without growing boring." Young @ Heart will make you laugh and cry...so grab some popcorn, a box of tissue, and enjoy!