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FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope With the “Living Death” of Alzheimer’s By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com contributing editor Practical Support for Coping with Dementia For many caretakers, daily care isn’t the worst part of dealing with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Grief is. What is anticipatory grief? Anticipatory grief is the emotional pain of losing a loved one, felt in advance of the person’s death. It’s a common phenomenon among those who care for the terminally ill. It may be experienced at any time by anyone connected to someone with Alzheimer’s, but it’s especially common at the middle and late stages of the disease. Why Alzheimer’s caregivers are vulnerable to anticipatory grief Good-byes are always painful, and Alzheimer’s is the ultimate “long good-bye.” Anticipatory grief is rampant, and perhaps inevitable, among Alzheimer’s caregivers because of the slow, progressive, and incurable nature of the disease. University of Indianapolis researchers asked more than 400 caregivers the open-ended question, “What would you say is the biggest barrier you have faced as a caregiver?” The majority -- more than 80 percent -- referred to the loss of the person they used to know. The friends and family of someone with dementia experience two difficult psychological states at once: Anticipatory grief, or coping with the very real feelings of loss for someone who is still alive Ambiguous loss, or interacting with someone who’s not fully present socially or psychologically That’s a tough mix. Little wonder that more than a quarter of all dementia caregivers suffer from depression. They’re in mourning even as they’re still doing the hard work of taking care of someone with a difficult disease. Depressed caregivers, more than other depressed people, tend to display symptoms that center on sadness, lack of hope, and guilt. What you can do when anticipatory grief strikes Know that your feelings are normal. It can help simply to know that anticipatory grief exists. Just because the person you’re caring for still lives doesn’t mean you don’t get to show dark emotions. There’s no need to feel guilty for experiencing these difficult feelings. Nor should you hold them in. Understand that it’s “real” grief. A 2001 study in The Gerontologist deemed anticipatory grief equivalent in intensity and breadth to the response to death. The odd silver lining: anticipatory grief prepares us for the end. It’s a long, slow, painful warm-up, but it’s a warm-up, nonetheless. Don’t try to put a gloss on dementia care. Many caregivers wax poetic about those unexpected “I love yous” or sudden bursts of clarity and gratitude. They’re fulfilling and should be embraced. But the rest of the time -- well, there’s the rest of the time. Don’t beat yourself up if you struggle with some aspects of caregiving Be nice to yourself. Grief (anticipatory or otherwise) puts you at For more information about the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, contact us at (239) 437-3007 or visit our website at www.alzheimersswfl.org Continued on page 4 by Bernice “Bea” VanDeKerkhove

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Page 1: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4

Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope With the “Living Death” of Alzheimer’sBy Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com contributing editor

Practical Support for Coping with Dementia

For many caretakers, daily care isn’t the worst part of dealing with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Grief is.What is anticipatory grief?

Anticipatory grief is the emotional pain of losing a loved one, felt in advance of the person’s death. It’s a common phenomenon among those who care for the terminally ill.

It may be experienced at any time by anyone connected to someone with Alzheimer’s, but it’s especially common at the middle and late stages of the disease.Why Alzheimer’s caregivers are vulnerable to anticipatory grief

Good-byes are always painful, and Alzheimer’s is the ultimate “long good-bye.” Anticipatory grief is rampant, and perhaps inevitable, among Alzheimer’s caregivers because of the slow, progressive, and incurable nature of the disease. University of Indianapolis researchers asked more than 400 caregivers the open-ended question, “What would you say is the biggest barrier you have faced as a caregiver?” The majority -- more than 80 percent -- referred to the loss of the person they used to know.

The friends and family of someone with dementia experience two diffi cult psychological states at once: • Anticipatory grief, or coping

with the very real feelings of loss for someone who is still alive• Ambiguous loss, or interacting

with someone who’s not fully present socially or psychologically

That’s a tough mix. Little wonder that more than a quarter of all dementia caregivers suffer from depression. They’re in mourning even as they’re still doing the hard work of taking care of someone with a diffi cult disease. Depressed caregivers, more than other depressed people, tend to display symptoms that center on sadness, lack of hope, and guilt.What you can do when anticipatory grief strikes• Know that your feelings are normal.

It can help simply to know that anticipatory grief exists. Just because the person you’re caring for still lives doesn’t mean you don’t get to show dark emotions. There’s no need to feel guilty for experiencing these diffi cult feelings. Nor should you hold them in.• Understand that it’s “real” grief.

A 2001 study in The Gerontologist deemed anticipatory grief equivalent in intensity and breadth to the response to death. The odd silver lining: anticipatory grief prepares us for the end. It’s a long, slow, painful warm-up, but it’s a warm-up, nonetheless.• Don’t try to put a gloss on dementia

care. Many caregivers wax poetic about those unexpected “I love yous” or sudden bursts of clarity and gratitude. They’re fulfi lling and should be embraced. But the rest of the time -- well, there’s the rest of the time. Don’t beat yourself up if you struggle with some aspects of caregiving• Be nice to yourself. Grief (anticipatory or otherwise) puts you at

For more information about the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, contact us at (239) 437-3007 or visit our website at

www.alzheimersswfl.orgContinued on page 4

by Bernice “Bea” VanDeKerkhove

Page 2: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

Caregiver Transitions Support GroupA support group designed specifically for family members who are facing the challenge of caregiver identity changePresented by Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource CenterGroup meetings are held on the Third Tuesday of each month10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.at the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center12468 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers

This group offers an opportunity for family members to speak candidly about their experience and feelings. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to: Caregiver identity; Navigating dual roles; What to do after placement; Anticipatory grief; and How to survive the loss of a loved one. Meetings are facilitated by a social worker and offered free of charge.

For more information call (239) 437-3007.

Board of TrusteesAl O’Donnell, PresidentO’Donnell Landscapes Mitchell L. Cordova, PhD, Vice President Florida Gulf Coast University Chris Holtrop, Secretary Syndicated CapitalCarol Osterhout, TreasurerFineMark National Bank & Trust Kathy Shimp, Past President Community VolunteerBritton Swank, Member at LargePrather & Swank, P.A. Rev. Stu Austin New Hope Presbyterian Church Stan Grigiski Medical Claim Service Keith Kyle Circuit Court JudgeMabel Lopez, PhDMind and Brain CareJim Nolte, CFP® - Financial AdvisorWells Fargo Advisors, LLCMichael Raab, MD Community Volunteer Jamie SenecaNurse On Call

Advisory Council Scott Anstadt, PhD, DCSW, LCSW Florida Gulf Coast University Debbie Beavers Community Volunteer Dolores Bertolini Community Volunteer Teresa Frank-Fahrner Lee Memorial/SHARE Club Marcia Hamilton Keiser UniversityJo Anne Kowalski, RN, EdD Nurse Practitioner Services Tracy Lima Trusted Financial ServicesKathy MonroeCommunity Volunteer Dawn Moore, Chair Lee Memorial Health System Pam Pence Klaas, Vice Chair Community Volunteer Lowell SchoenfeldGreen, Schoenfeld & KyleHalcyon St. Hill, EdD, MS, MT Florida Gulf Coast University Jo Stecher, PhD, RN, CCTC Florida Gulf Coast University

Emeriti Board Bill Beckwith, PhD Memory Management John Belisle BB&T - Oswald Trippe and Company Bill Enslen Community Volunteer Peg Gray-Vickrey Texas A&M - Central Texas Patricia Hessel Retired Certified Public Accountant Douglas Newland, MD Neurologist Julie Osterhout Osterhout & McKinney Nancy Silvers, RN C Retired Registered Nurse Nancy ZantHealthPark Care CenterArchie B. Hayward, Jr.Lee County Court JudgeLou PontiusCommunity Volunteer

Alvin A. Dubin Center StaffJan Kerlin, Executive DirectorMelanie Jackson, Exec Asst/Coord of VolsMary Freyre, RN, Health Ed SpecialistKaren Jellerson, LCSW, Social WorkerJessica MacDonald, LCSW, Social Worker

Mark Your Calendar

Memory Screenings - The First Step Toward Addressing Memory ConcernsMemory screenings will be offered at the Bonita Springs United Way House 26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs FLOctober 26th from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Appointments are required

If you or someone you know has concerns about memory, please schedule a FREE memory screening. Screenings take about 15 minutes.

Call (239) 437-3007 to schedule an appointment. (Appointments may also be scheduled for different dates and times.)

New PATH ProgramPresented by the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 12468 Brantley Commons Ct, Fort MyersCall for details, as eligibility interview is required (239) 437-3007

The New PATH program, designed especially for individuals in the early stages of Al-zheimer’s disease or a related dementia and their spouses/primary caregivers, includes both a support group for individuals with early-stage dementia and a concurrent support group for their spouses/caregivers. Participants (and their caregivers) are interviewed prior to enrollment to determine suit-ability for the group and to obtain background information. Call (239) 437-3007 for details.

Page 3: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

• Personal Bill Pay Services • Medicare Specialists • Claim Filing Experts

923 DEL PRADO BLVD., SUITE 107 • CAPE CORAL, FL 33990 • (239) 772-2030

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Save the Date!November 12th

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Join us for a festiveafternoon of fellowship

December 10, 20152:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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January 28, 2016

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Luminary

Eighteenth AnnualA Light to

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Families and friends may purchase a luminary in celebration (honoring or remembering) of a loved one with AD or a related memory disorder. These luminaries will border the sidewalks of centennial park by the fountain at sunset with a special lighting ceremony.

To purchase a luminaryin celebration of your loved one, please call

(239) 437-3007

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER IS: 1-800-435-7352. FL SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS REGISTRATION #SC-06629. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE ALVIN A. DUBIN ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE CENTER, INC.

Grand SponsorMind and Brain Care

by Henry Larson

An Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center

Art Auction

Page 4: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

REINA SCHLAGER, CPA/PFS* RHU Personal Financial Specialist*

SCHLAGER SCHLAGER & LEVIN

NO FEE CHARGED FOR A REVIEWWe are our clients’ financial partner!

SCHLAGER SCHLAGER & LEVIN (SS&L) provides tax advice and preparation. Securities offered through JWCole Financial Inc. (JWC) Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through SS&L and JW ColeAdvisors, Inc. (JWCA), Registered Investment Advisors. JWC/JWCA and SS&L are not affiliated.

*regulated by the AICPA, not a State or Federal Agency

333-0490

➢ Initial Medicaid Planning➢ Life Insurance Audits ➢ Tax Planning ➢ Long term care Insurance

➢ End of Life planning➢ Retirement Rollovers &

Retirement IncomePlanning

Comprehensive Healthcare Services Open to the Public

Comprehensive Healthcare Services Open to the Public

• Assisted Living including Respite Care

• Skilled Nursing

• Memory Care

• Hospice Care

• Inpatient and

• Outpatient Services

• Short-term Rehab Services including physical, speech, and occupational therapies

Shell Point is located in Fort Myers, 2 miles before the Sanibel Causeway.Shell Point is a non-profit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

©2015 Shell Point. All rights reserved. HCR-379-15

Call (239) 415-5432 or visit shellpoint.org

I speak with caregivers about managing their emotions and coping mechanisms as they accept the journey they are on with their loved one diagnosed with dementia. The book “Coping with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and Frances A. Brock, Ph.D. adds to these conversations. The book discusses rational emotive therapy and provides examples of how to apply this model when caring for someone whose memory and cognitive functions are failing them. Rational emotive therapy is explained in an easy to understand manner, allowing the reader to grasp how they could benefi t from understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Readers learn the benefi ts of changing our perception of events, allowing for emotional and behavioral growth. The book in no way attempts to “rosy-color” the challenges faced, nor does it diminish the valid range of emotions caregivers experience. Rather, it teaches us how to become more in control of our emotions (the only aspect of this journey we can control) which in turn, allows for the caregiver to experience less stress and burn out. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with feelings of anger, guilt, resentment, self-pity, shame and anxiety.

BOOK REVIEWby Jessica MacDonald, LCSW

risk for depression. Depression puts you at risk for dementia yourself. How to end this vicious cycle? Start small -- enlist a regular volunteer or paid aide to take over while you do something positive for your own health, such as working out.• Rely on a support network for

an emotional outlet Long-term studies have found that Alzheimer’s caregivers who receive counseling and support, formal or informal, have better health and a lower incidence of depression. You may feel the need to put on a “brave face” in front of the sick person all the time, when expressing your confl icting feelings is what would serve you better. A support network lets you do this. Venting on paper -- writing about your feelings -- can help during those moments when you can’t see someone face to face.• Tap into hospice care. Enlisting

hospice help as the person in your care descends into end-stage Alzheimer’s isn’t, as some people

mistakenly believe, a secret death wish. You can’t control the timing of the end. But it does come eventually, and you deserve the skilled guidance that experts in this passage can offer you, even if it’s still months (or more) in the unknowable future.

Taken from Care.com

ANTICIPATORY GRIEF Continued from page 1

Page 5: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

THE LAW OFFICE OF NORMA HAND BRILL, P.A.

Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Probate, Medicaid Eligibility, VA Benefits

164 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903 | 239.997.6464

Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation since 1996

Board Certified by the Florida Bar since 1998

YOU ARE NEEDED...

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER IS: 1-800-435-7352. FL SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS REGISTRATION #SC-06629. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE ALVIN A DUBIN ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE CENTER, INC.

12468 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers, FL 33907(239) 437-3007

www.alzheimersswfl .orginfo@alzheimersswfl .org

In the fi ght against Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center is a nonprofi t organization ad-dressing the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s and their families through fam-ily support, education, and advocacy. Please join us in the fi ght by completing and submitting this form with payment to: The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, 12468 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Phone:

Donation Amount: $20 $50 $100 $200 $500 Other $

Please make checks payable to the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center or call (239) 437-3007 to make a donation via Visa or MasterCard.

In Memory of:

In Honor of:

REGISTRATION #SC-06629. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE ALVIN A DUBIN ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE CENTER, INC.

E-mail Address:

Page 6: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

•Choose from 3,000 Frames•1,000 Mat Samples• Custom Shadow Boxes•Artist & Quantity Discounts• Frame & Glass Repair• Delivery & Hanging Available• Friendly Professional Service

www.FiftyPercentOffFraming.com

239-939-71115330 S. Cleveland Ave. 50% OFF

FRAMING50% OFFFRAMING239-206-0556

1020 NE Pine Island Rd #302

FORTMYERS

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www.SeniorCompanionCareFlorida.com AHCA #233587

♥ Housekeeping

♥ Grocery Shopping

♥ Meal Preparation

♥ Appointment Transport

♥ Medication Reminders

♥ Pet Care

(239) 689(239) 689(239) 689---428642864286 [email protected]

InInIn---Home Custom CareHome Custom CareHome Custom Care

November 13, 2015 “Wiggin Out” for Fun

Let Your Hair Down and “Wig Out” With Us

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

First Church of the Nazarene13545 American Colony Blvd, Ft. Myers

FREE Lunch, Great Door Prizes and the Award for 2015 Caregiver of the Year

~ To make a nomination for Caregiver of the Year call (239) 949-1070 ~

To RSVP call Right at Home at (239) 949-1070by October 31st

PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE

CONFERENCE

Featured Speakers:

Britton Goodlad Swank, Elder Law AttorneyLegal Issues for Elderly Populations“When is Guardianship Needed?”

Andy Oakes-Lottridge, MD, FAAFPImpacts of Polypharmacy on Elderly Populations

“Polypharmacy: The Problem That’s Easy to Ignore”

Ajay Mayor, MD“Alcohol Use and Abuse in Elderly Populations”

Thursday, October 15th 8:15 a.m. ~ 12:30 p.m.

at

United Way Of Lee, Hendry, Glades & Okeechobee7273 Concourse Dr ~ Fort Myers

Sponsored by:

FREE Attendance - Professional CEUs Awarded Seating Limited - Reservation Required

RSVP to at [email protected] or (239) 433-2000 Ext 260

Page 7: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

Our sincere thanks to the following individuals and businesses who gave a memorial, honorary or general gift during the months of May, June and July.

Gifts not listed will appear in the Winter issue.

In Memory OfClients and clients’ relatives Osterhout & McKinneyCarol Heinbaugh Friends and Neighbors of Tall Grass CourtCarol M. Hanlon Jack Hanlon and Barbara Loe Catherine Smith Ms. Charlene Miller Nancy Carignan Charles Talis Hilary and Michael Talis Donald Fair Todd Miller Geneva V Hartman Beulah and James Greene George Brooks Kurt Finney Jacqueline Deutsch Elizabeth Gallagher Janice Whalin Pat Hessel Louise Kaufman Marjorie and Bob Dwyer Patricia Clemons Pat and Donald Clemons Rose Szerlag Dolores Bertolini Ruby Lieberman Hilary and Michael Talis Walter Specht Ina Hunsucker Wilma Daniels Joan and Jim Hampson

In Honor OfWilliam Felt Jennifer Felt Bonita FeltCaregivers Tom Jones Donna Wahlert Amy and Joseph Principi Kathy Chameli Mildred Needleman Wilbert Needleman & Dinese Zolden

Individual Donations Ellie Fox Nancy Strack Peg and Scott Gray-Vickrey Sheila and Roger Tabor

Carl Scharfenberg Dale Yost Adele Zehnder Terry Drake Jr Calzona Hall A Beth James EJ Szczurek Jack O’Sullivan Tara Susan Armstrong Carole Billett Kimberly Brady Carolyn Burnette Erica Carroll Tamara Eladel Amy McGarry Jillian Moore Maureen Oravec Mindy Owens Melissa Speciale Dotty St. Amand Caroline Thomas Joseph Wright Jo Stecher Caroline Thomas

Civic Gifts and Grants United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades NARFE Chapter 1263 Association of Florida Healthcare Auxiliaries Volunteers CAMEO of Lee County AFA – Phyllis & Milton Berg Family Respite Care Grant

Corporate Gifts Brushstrokes from the Soul Grand Sponsor - Mind and Brain Care JTE Electric Barrington Terrace Abby Services Sanibel Captiva Community Bank Schlager Schlager & Levin Discovery Village At The Forum Jim Nolte, CFP® - Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Dubin Golf Classic Mike Vargo Pamela Ashburn Karol Barr Tom Buckley Frances Carroll

Judy Carroll Mary Ellen Coffey Lori Cullen Kyle Decicco Carl Doornbos Elizabeth and Wendell Ehinger Suzanne Grady Linda Hartnett Michael Heard Carolyn Hoch Marjorie and Earl Holland Jan Holtrop Betsy Howard Ann Kashner Thorn Jan Katenkamp Wayne Kimmel Jean Kohn Karla McKelvey Dainee McNeill Donna Mullen Jim Nolte Kathleen Ogan Linda Owen Cheryl Paloci Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips Michelle Romano Janet Ruggles Marjorie Seegmuller Kathleen and Steven Shimp Mary Ann Spatharos Mikyong Todd Katherine Van Der Mey Diane Vogel Bayshore Memory Care Charity Golf International LLC Edison Oil Company Hoglund Family Hearing Myers, Brettholtz & Co PA Prather & Swank Right At Home Scott Hansen Insurance Agency Tim Collier Insurance Agency

In-Kind Gifts Arden Courts Abby Services Gulf Coast Village

Gifts to the Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center

Page 8: FALL VOLUME 21, ISSUE 4 Anticipatory Grief: How to Cope ... › Newsletter_2015 › Fall2015.pdfAlzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Emotional Survival Guide” by Rose Oliver, Ph.D. and

BONITA SPRINGSThe Terraces at Bonita Springs 2nd Monday, 2:00 p.m. Hope Lutheran Church* 4th Monday, 10:30 a.m.CAPE CORALGulf Coast Village 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 2:00 p.m.FORT MYERSPine Ridge at Fort Myers (New in November) 2nd Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. (dial #002 at gate)

Community Cooperative’s Social Education Resource Center 4th Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.

Riverside Church 4th Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m.

Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ 4th Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.

Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 3rd Thursday, 6:15 p.m.

NORTH FORT MYERS **Pine Lakes Country Club 4th Thursday, 2:00 p.m.

PINE ISLANDPine Island United Methodist 1st Thursday, 10:30 a.m.LEHIGH*United Way House 1st & 3rd Monday, 2:00 p.m.SANIBELSanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 4th Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.LABELLEOakbrook of LaBelle 1st Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.PUNTA GORDA***The Palms of Punta Gorda 2nd Thursday, 2:00 p.m.PORT CHARLOTTE****Charlotte Cultural CenterThe Learning Place 4th Thursday, 10:30 a.m.ADULT CHILDREN GROUPDubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 1st Tuesday, 6:15 p.m.TRANSITIONSDubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.

SPEAKERSDementia and Psychiatric Care:

What Caregivers Need to Know Jillian Moore

Park Royal Hospital Lehigh Acres: October 5th | 2:00 p.m.Cape Coral: October 15th | 2:00 p.m.Westminster: October 28th | 9:45 a.m.

How to Tour and Interview a Facility Lisa Gates, Marketing Manager

Brookdale Senior LivingLehigh Acres: November 2nd | 2:00 p.m.Cape Coral: November 19th | 2:00 p.m.Westminster: November 25th | 9:45 p.m.

DecemberHoliday Parties

Check with social worker for details(239) 437-3007.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #914

FORT MYERS, FL

12468 Brantley Commons CourtFort Myers, FL 33907(239) [email protected]

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS

Please Note Holiday Schedule Changes: * Bonita Springs - Hope Lutheran will meet December 21st ** North Fort Myers will meet November 20th due to Thanksgiving and December 18th due to Holidays *** Punta Gorda will meet November 13th **** Port Charlotte will meet November 20th due to Thanksgiving and December 18th due to Holidays