Elder Care Ministry

Don't forget to sign up for this great #caregiving resource event on November 19th - all info is below #eldercareministry

WE NEED CHRISTMAS CARDS!!!! Our ministry has a goal to provide Christmas cards to about 900 valley seniors living in local facilities. Do you have some half used boxes or willing to grab some and donate??? Message for drop off location info. #eldercareministry #npcc #npccfresno

See you in 1 hour! In person or on Zoom!!!

Please remember our monthly meeting TONIGHT at 6:30 PM. We will hold the meeting in Peace 3B on the church campus but will also have Zoom attendance for those who prefer that at this time. (message us if you need the link) Please attend!! We will be finalizing the Thanksgiving plans and organizing the Christmas plans. This is the last meeting we will be able to organize for Christmas, so please be sure to attend!! #eldercareministry

Thank you to everyone who helped sign 900 cards, over 18,000 signatures, multiple ministries joined in the single goal of love for our elders today! We love your penmanship!!

Here is another great resource we are happy to share with you! #eldercareministry FREE EVENT This educational conference will offer strategies for successful dementia care and will focus on the importance of self-care while at home.... SESSIONS The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care: Strategies for the Caregiving Journey During COVID-19 and After David Troxel, Author and Renowned Speaker Self-Care While Staying at Home Martha Rañón, Executive Vice President, Southern Caregiver Resource Center Understanding & Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors Teena Hagerman, Community Education Volunteer, Alzheimer's Association TO REGISTER ONLINE: tinyurl.com/FresnoCGConference TO REGISTER BY PHONE, PLEASE CALL 800.272.3900

Here is a great local resource to help those caregivers in our lives - check it out! #eldercareministry

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or they disappear completely. Think "FAST" and do the following: Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to rise? Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange? Time. If you observe any of these sig...ns, call 911 or emergency medical help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Don't wait to see if symptoms stop. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability. #eldercareministry See more

DEMENTIA COMMUNICATION TIPS Maintain your sense of humor. Use humor whenever possible, though not at the person's expense. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you. #eldercareministry #npccfresno #npcc #dementia

DEMENTIA COMMUNICATION TIPS Remember the good old days. Remembering the past is often a soothing and affirming activity. Many people with dementia may not remember what happened 45 minutes ago, but they can clearly recall their lives 45 years earlier. Therefore, avoid asking questions that rely on short-term memory, such as asking the person what they had for lunch. Instead, try asking general questions about the person’s distant pastthis information is more likely to be retained. #eldercareministry #npccfresno #npcc #dementia

DEMENTIA COMMUNICATION TIPS Respond with affection and reassurance. People with dementia often feel confused, anxious, and unsure of themselves. Further, they often get reality confused and may recall things that never really occurred. Avoid trying to convince them they are wrong. Stay focused on the feelings they are demonstrating (which are real) and respond with verbal and physical expressions of comfort, support, and reassurance. Sometimes holding hands, touching, hugging, and praise will get the person to respond when all else fails. #eldercareministry #npccfresno #npcc #dementia