A Newsletter of The Glenner Memory Care Centers • Fall/Winter 2012-2013 A Caregiver’s Story:
The Glenner Centers Are Much More Than Adult Day Care By Ronnie S., Family Caregiver
My mother, Hasna, had lived with each of my five older siblings by the time my sister called from Florida to let me know it was “my turn.” It turned out to be more difficult than I imagined managing all of the time needed for my job, my 12-yearold son and my mother. You want to get the best care, and I knew the best care was not me. I spent weeks researching and visiting places where my mother could still feel independent and be among people who spoke her language. Our family emigrated from Beirut in the 1980s, and Mom still prefers to speak Lebanese. Sheila Argeanton and her team at the Glenner Memory Care Center in Encinitas have been life savers and have provided my mom with extraordinary care, love, and support. The program offers such a unique and nurturing environment for my mother
ts Rocia Molina and Lisa Encinitas Program Assistan
Pena with Hasna.
and a level of care, love, and acceptance that is unmatched; not sure that we could even come remotely close at home. The staff is so upbeat and knows exactly how to tap into the talents of each and every individual under their care; heck, I feel great just stopping by and chatting with them. Amidst budget cuts for so many dementia programs, The Glenner Centers program is a lifesaver and offers so much hope for families that are impacted by Alzheimer’s and can’t
Hasna with he r son,
Ronnie.
manage the thousands it otherwise costs for their loved ones so they could go to work or tend to other daily responsibilities. Not only is it a gem from a financial standpoint, but their program is unlike anything I’ve seen for meaningful enrichment activities, exercise, games, and so much more for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. I don’t know how they do it, but the staff has managed to quickly learn the words of several foreign songs that my mom enjoys continued on page 7
We’re Looking Good at Our Centers A year ago we launched a campaign to give our three centers a much-needed “facelift.” Those upgrades are almost complete, thanks to the generosity of donors, funders and private businesses. We replaced the flooring and wall treatments in our Hillcrest and South Bay Center and added ergonomic chairs at all three centers. New artwork continues to adorn walls and we’ve made numerous cosmetic updates in South Bay with new blinds, window treatments and, soon, bathrooms and cabinetry. Because of board member Eric Manese continued on page 3
In This Issue Notes from CEO & Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Participating in Clinical Trials. . . . . . . . . . . 3 Angels Among Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Our 30th Anniversary Celebration. . . . . . 4-5 Coping with the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Planning Now to Avoid ‘The Rear View’. . . 7 Thanking Our Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Glenner’s Leadership
Thank You for Choosing to Support Our Organization
FOUNDERS
By Julie Sugita, Chair of the Board
George G. Glenner, M.D. Joy Glenner 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeffrey Conyers, Director Emeritus Julie Sugita, D.D.S., M.S., C.L.P.F., Chair Eric Benink Vice Chair Virgil Barbat, Co-Treasurer Richard Wank, Co-Treasurer David I. Wallace, Secretary John W. Daly, M.D., Chair of Medical Advisory Group Amy Abrams, M.S.W./M.P.H., C.M.C. Director
As I sit here reflecting on 2012, we’ve just learned who will lead our country and our cities and county in the coming years. What an election year this has been, and what a year for us this has been. I hope each of you turned out and made your voice heard by voting. Your choice matters greatly! And on that note, I want to thank each of you for choosing to support the Glenner Memory Care Centers … by allowing us to provide compassionate care for your loved ones, blessing us with your generous gifts of time and donations, and for supporting us in the past years in so many ways. The year 2012 has been truly one of wonderful change for Glenner: we revitalized our vision with a name change; we welcomed a new CEO, Anette Asher, to the Glenner family; and we celebrated in style our 30th year of providing much-needed services to our wonderful families at the Glenner Centers. No matter how you voted this election year, we can all agree that it’s wonderful to have the campaign ads over and to look forward to the year’s end festivities. I hope each of you find a moment to reflect back on some truly treasured times with your loved ones as we embrace a new year just around the corner.
Eric G. Manese, A.A.M.S., Director
Plenty of Fun, Educational Events Planned in 2013
Robert Maxwell, M.B.A., Director
By Anette Asher, CEO
Judith Copeland, Director Dawn Egan, Director Susan Estrada, Director
Richard Scott Stewart, Director STAFF Anette Asher Chief Executive Officer Dawn DeStefani, B.S.W. Director of Programs & Services Margaret Galante, R.N., B.S.N. Director of Nursing Hillcrest Program Director Sheila Meyer Argeanton, B.S. Encinitas Program Director Bernicemina Molina, M.S.W. South Bay Program Director
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Here at the Glenner headquarters, we have been brainstorming to develop new programs and services to serve our families and communities better and more broadly. We realize how much our senior community is growing and how many of us want to be proactive in our health, especially when it comes to brain fitness. We know exercising the brain helps to sharpen its functions and slow down the progression or onset of dementia. Therefore, we will be launching a new cognitive fitness program for those of us who might feel a little forgetful or just want to maintain what we have. The program will include seminars, day events and cognitive exercises in a workshop-like setting to allow everyone
Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2012-2013
to learn at their own pace and work their minds on their own terms. The program will include novel computer games that tap different parts of the brain. You know the saying, “There’s an app for that”? Well, we are creating one too. In partnership with Life Ventures, Jose Lacal, Ph.D, is the visionary and developer of Glenner’s soon-to-be-launched Web and mobile app called Memory Minder. Technology is now a part of most people’s daily lives. It’s embedded in our cultures and our communities. Our centers will remain a source of security, comfort, stimulation and, above all, personal relationships. But we’ll also keep introducing new ways to help families and individuals in Greater San Diego stay healthy and happy for as long as possible.
What’s Involved in Participating in a Clinical Trial By Vishaal Mehra, M.D.
Have you ever wondered how the medicine you or your loved one are taking came into existence? The process for a drug to be approved as a medicine is a long and difficult one. It involves many years of initial laboratory testing, then trials, first on animals and then people. The human participant trials are a crucial and final step in determining if a drug meets safety and efficacy criteria in order to be approved to treat a disease. It is from these studies that we can get potentially better and improved treatments for a variety of illnesses which currently do not have any cures—this includes Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other mental and medical ailments. Unfortunately, a large hurdle to developing these newer and potentially better treatments is the lack of human volunteers and participants in clinical research studies, which can slow a drug’s development by years. One of the myths I have heard from potential study volunteers is that the drugs that are being tested are dangerous and have never been tested before. Although there are inherent risks in participating in a research drug trial, the risks are usually not as large as people think. All pharmaceutical drugs are initially tested in animals prior to any testing in people. A drug may continue to human studies if it is deemed appropriate to continue based on these animal studies by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA and other independent entities oversee all clinical trials to ensure their safety while trials are underway. Additionally, depending on the phase of development, the drug may already have been tested on multiple human volunteers, numbering in the several hundred to several thousand. Finally, in a research study the participant is very closely monitored for side effects, which includes close physician supervision as well as multiple laboratory and other testing, which assist in reducing the risks that may come up in a trial. All these efforts lead to generally a safe research experience. It is only though more people participating in clinical trials that we can forward medical treatments. You can learn more about the potential risks and rewards of participating in a clinical trial at www.clinicaltrials.gov to learn more. Vishaal Mehra is the Medical Director and a Principal Investigator at Artemis Institute for Clinical Research, a research site which conducts clinical trials in multiple areas including Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other psychiatric illnesses.
Angels Among Us Helene Claire Samisch never spent time as a participant or a caregiver at our centers, but earlier this year we learned she’d devoted a considerable amount of her personal estate to our organization. Helene, who passed at age 96 in 2009, lived most of her life a couple of blocks from our Hillcrest Center and came to care deeply for the elderly. She was a neighbor we never knew but who knew us and the good work we do to improve the lives of the most fragile of seniors. Helene Samisch reminds all of
Looking good, continued from page 1
us that our good deeds often
and a grant from SDG&E, South Bay has a projector and screen that will be used primarily during weekly caregiver support groups. Thanks to a grant from District 3 Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, our Encinitas Center is sporting new furniture, including a nursing bed and desk, flat-screen television and console, patio set and tables to hold caregiver education materials. The grounds, particularly at Hillcrest and South Bay, look more colorful because of a grant from the Home Depot Foundation and a little help from volunteers and participants. Soon you’ll be able to see our new-and-improved centers for yourself when we host wine and cheese socials at our South Bay and Hillcrest Centers in January. Check the Events page on our Web site for more information www.glenner.org/events.
acknowledged. And that the lives
do get noticed, if not always we impact with our actions can extend beyond those in direct need. We thank this generous soul for her gift and for helping us see the world around us in a more positive light.
The Glenner Memory Care Centers • www.glenner.org
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Our 30th AnniversaryCelebration
CEO Anette Asher with honoree Dan McAllister
Judi Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Matinpour hi
Everyone is all smiles during dinner, including ActivCare’s Major Chance.
Photos by Dawn Edee Photography
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Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2012-2013
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria addresses the crowd.
We culminated our 30th anniversary with a big party on Oct. 13 at the La Jolla Marriott. We had a terrific turnout and raised money to support our specialized adult day programs and family resource services. Councilman Todd Gloria read a proclamation that designated that Saturday as “Glenner Memory Care Centers Day,” and Dan McAllister, the San Diego County Tax Collector-Treasurer, was honored for his contributions to non-profits, including our organization. Thanks to the many, many individuals and businesses who helped make our gala such a success for one and all.
it the dance floor.
Xceptional Music Co. give an exceptional performance.
Emcee Ron Jones helps get the live auction bids started.
Local favorite Eve Selis was part of the evening’s musical ensemble.
Guests danced the night away.
Chair of the Board Julie Sugita
Good times had by all.
The Glenner Memory Care Centers • www.glenner.org
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Coping With the Holidays By Bernicemina Molina, South Bay Program Director
The holidays can be a wonderful time for families to gather, but they also can be incredibly stressful even under “normal” circumstances. And if you are the primary caregiver, or filling in for one, in the coming months, you should put expectations in check and consider the following tips and tactics for making the most of this unique time of the year as well as any time family is drawn together for special occasions. Prepare yourself.
If your loved one is living in a facility, bring holiday traditions to them.
• Only do what you can manage. • Choose holiday activities and traditions that are most important to you. • Host small family dinners instead of a big one. • C onsider having the dinner catered or start a new tradition, such as a potluck. Involve the person with Alzheimer’s Disease. • Have them help you wrap gifts. • They can help you set the table for dinner but make sure to avoid having centerpieces with candles or artificial fruits that can be easily mistaken as food. • They may also be of help in preparing simple foods. • Read holiday cards that you receive together. • Watch a favorite holiday movie together. • Sing Christmas carols. • W hen having guests over, it may be helpful to show your loved one pictures of your guests and explain who they are. •T he holidays are a busy time of year so it is important to keep their routine as normal as possible with enough time for them to rest.
• Join your loved one in any facility-planned holiday activities. • B ring a favorite holiday food to share with your loved one’s roommate. • Sing holiday songs and ask if anybody wants to join. • Read a favorite holiday story out loud. Prepare visitors. • E xplain to guests what has happened to the person with Alzheimer’s. Give examples or any unusual behaviors that may occur during the gathering and explain to them that the person with AD can no longer distinguish what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. • I f this is your guests’ first time visiting the person with AD, prepare them that this first visit may be painful and remind them to not shun them away. • R emind guests that memory loss is not intentional; it is a part of the disease. • R emind your guests that it is the time spent with the loved one that is more important than what the person remembers.
Most important tip for coping with the holidays: REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF YOU!
Get the Support You Need Your loved one can attend our day programs for free while you are in a Glenner Support Group. You’ll learn about dementia and strategies and tactics to help you best manage daily living with someone with a memory impairment. Hillcrest Support Group meets 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 3702 Fourth Avenue, San Diego; (619) 543-4704 Encinitas Support Group (co-sponsored with the Alzheimer’s Association) meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays inside Silverado Senior Living, 335 Saxony Road, Encinitas; (760) 635-1895 South Bay Support Group meets 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 280 Saylor Drive, Chula Vista; (619) 420-1703
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Making Memories & Connecting Caregivers • Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Planning Now to Avoid ‘The Rear View’ To say that the last few years have been challenging for the financial industry is a serious understatement. Hopefully, you have remained less volatile than the stock market. In times like these, it is difficult to keep a clear perspective. Studies suggest that individuals subjected to a steady diet of turbulence become reactionary, fixated on their rear view mirrors and fully occupied in adjusting to the storm just passed. May we suggest that the focus should be on the year ahead, to the changes we know are coming and the opportunities and reasonable expectations they provide for you and your family. Let 2013 be a most successful year. We look forward to bringing you the best and the brightest information with respect to charitable gift planning strategies. As we all know, philanthropy is a uniquely American activity. The generosity of those who give to The Glenner Memory Care Centers makes a vital difference in our ability to fulfill our mission to the community. It’s hard to imagine that a community fundraising drive that began just a short time ago would touch the lives of so many people each year. There are a number of beneficial charitable gift planning options. For information on these specific arrangements, please contact Anette Asher, CEO, at 619-543-4700.
We So Appreciate Your Support We would like to thank each of you for your donations this year, whether it was given in time, dollars, gifts or grants. Our organization continues to help so many families because of you. That includes those of you who plan to make an end-of-year donation to our annual campaign in the coming weeks. In addition to the tax advantages (particularly if you anticipate a bigger bill from a better financial year!), you also are making a difference to families struggling to manage the difficult diseases associated with memory impairment.
Thank You to This Year’s Major Funders (as of early November 2012)
The Garland Hunter Trust San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization Alpha Zeta Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Gary and Mary West Foundation Las Primeras San Diego Futures Foundation The Home Depot Foundation Caregiver, continued from page 1
The Philip M. Klauber Endowment Fund
singing, and, in turn, she truly looks forward to seeing the staff each and every day and has learned all of their names. The Glenner Memory Care Centers have offered my family the peace of mind of knowing that my mom is receiving the best care in a most supportive environment. The staff promptly calls when there’s any concern and helps me explore effective solutions. They are most trustworthy, kind, patient, capable, loving, and have the unique skills to offer an unmatched level of care for those with Alzheimer’s. The Glenner Center is so much more than adult day care for my mother. It’s an opportunity to thrive and celebrate each and every day with friends and family who she knows deeply love and care about her well-being, happiness, and success.
The Helene Samisch Trust The McKewon Family Trust SDG&E Learn how you can donate at www.glenner.org or call (619) 543-4700 to make your pledge today.
The Glenner Memory Care Centers • www.glenner.org
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Mission Statement
Let’s Stay In Touch
Our mission is to provide quality adult day care and support services to families and others affected by Alzheimer’s and memory impairment diseases. We do this by providing the following-quality adult day programs, family support, case management, crisis intervention, family and community education, advocacy and information and referrals.
Blog: http://glennercenter.blogspot.com Twitter: @GlennerCenters Facebook: www.facebook.com/GlennerCenters YouTube: www.youtube.com/GGGAlz10 E-Newsletter: Access our sign-up page via www.glenner.org
The Glenner Memory Care Centers
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2672 San Diego, CA 92199
3702 Fourth Avenue • San Diego, CA 92103
Save the Dates Join Us for Our 2nd Annual Appreciation Concert Saturday, March 2, 2013 • 6:30–8:30pm
They’re Singing Our Song An Evening of Time-Honored Tunes
Once again we’re bringing together professional singers and musicians for a special performance to thank all of our caregivers, participants, donors and community supporters. Mark your calendars now and look for more details after the holidays for this unique forum sure to please everyone.
For more information, visit the Events Page at www.glenner.org.
The Glenner Memory Care Centers Invite You to a Have a Ball
Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament Friday, April 26 • 5:30–9:30pm Sail Ho Golf Club at Liberty Station • 2960 Truxtun Road • San Diego, CA 92106 Everyone will be in great ‘spirits’ as golfers gather on one of San Diego’s oldest and deceptively difficult short courses just as the sun sets over San Diego’s bay. Lots of opportunities to win prizes and sample adult beverages while raising funds for The Glenner Memory Care Centers programs and services.
It’s Never Felt So Good to Be This Teed Off!