sUMMER VOlUME 21, IssUE 3

Surviving Dementia through LaughterExcerpt from a post by National Care Planning Council Practical Support for

Coping with DementiaMark Twain wrote, “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.”

Professionals across the medical field agree that laughter is an effective medicine. It’s been shown to improve connections with others, increase blood flow to protect the heart, boost immune cells to fight infection, decrease stress through the discharging of physical and emotional tension, and trigger release of endorphins to relieve pain. But can the effects of laughter extend beyond the basic health benefits? Could it be used as a treatment for even the most devastating and incurable diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Debbie Harbinson, a certified laughter leader and outreach program manager at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, wrote: “For those with dementia, laughter can be instrumental in diffusing conflict and expelling the negative energy that so often causes them to retreat.” To further prove this theory, a group of humor therapists in New South Wales started the SMILE study. Over the course of three years, these humor therapists worked on 400 dementia-stricken people and found a twenty percent reduction in the patients’ agitated behavior like wandering, screaming, and aggression.

Speaking about the results of the study, Anne-Marie Botek from AgingCare.com said, “Laughter may be just as effective as antipsychotic medications for reducing anxiety in elderly people with dementia.” Part of the SMILE study was conducted

in Summit Care nursing where the owner, Barry Cowling, said that because of the humor therapy they were able to reduce psychotropic drugs or even have some of the patients come off of psychotropic drugs completely. “We had a woman who was totally non-verbal who started to have conversations with staff and her family,” Cowling said. The effects of the laughter therapy had reduced aggression and depression so well that Cowling and many other nursing homes made the laughter therapy permanent after the study.

There’s no refuting the effect and change that laughter can have in dementia patients, but it’s still not a cure. Dementia and other more serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s are difficult living with but even more difficult to experience as a caregiver or family member watching your loved one dissipate and forget who you are. As with many difficult situations in life, laughter can be used to help you and your loved ones view dementia in a new light. Laughter in these cases should not only be used to benefit the patient but should also be utilized by caregivers and family members who are also suffering.

People with dementia can sense the stress and unhappiness in those around them. You have a duty not only to yourself but to your loved ones to try to make the situation and environment as cheerful as possible. Gary LeBlanc talks about his experience learning to accept laughter as a caregiver for someone with Alzhiemer’s disease. He said:

“There is no doubt that there’s

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

LAUGHTER IS THE

LANGUAGE OF

THE SOUL.PABLO NERUDA

Continued on page 6

Long Term Care Family Caregiver Support Group

A support group designed specifically for family members of assisted living and skilled nursing center residentsPresented 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 Center 12468 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- the care plan process, state and federal regulations, how to effectively communicate concerns to facility staff and how to make visits more meaningful. Meetings are facilitated by a social worker and offered free of charge.

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 CalendarHere’s The Scoop - Ice Cream SocialHosted by Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource CenterIce Cream provided by VIP America of Southwest FloridaFriday, August 21, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. ~ 3:30 p.m.Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center12468 Brantley Commons CourtEvent is free ~ RSVP required by August 7th ~ (239) 437-3007Join your fellow caregivers and loved ones for an afternoon Ice Cream Social.

Memory Screenings - The First Step Toward Addressing Memory ConcernsMemory screenings are offered at the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 12468 Brantley Commons Ct, Fort MyersAppointments 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.

Savvy CaregiverPresented by the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 12468 Brantley Commons Ct, Fort MyersCall for details, as registration is required (239) 437-3007

The Savvy Caregiver program is designed to train family caregivers in the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to handle the challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and to be an effective caregiver.

This is a 12 hour course delivered in 2-hour sessions over a 6 week period.

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The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center’s Board elected the following officers to serve for 2015/2016: President Al O’Donnell, Vice President Mitchell Cordova; Treasurer Carol Osterhout; Secretary Chris Holtrop; and Past President Kathy Shimp. Britton Swank was elected to serve as member-at-large. Dawn Moore and Pam Pence Klaas were retained as Advisory Council Chair and Vice Chair respectively.

Al O’Donnell, Keith Kyle, Dawn Moore and Jim Nolte were reelected for an additional term on the Board of Trustees.

Advisory Council members

reappointed to serve an additional term are Dawn Moore, Scott Anstadt and St. Hill. Kathy Monroe, Lowell Schoenfeld and Marcia Hamilton joined as new Advisory Council members.

Board NewsThree new Alvin A. Dubin

Alzheimer’s Resource Center Advisory Council members were introduced at the May 11th Annual Meeting. These new members were approved by the Board at the June Board of Trustees meeting. The new members are Kathy Monroe, Lowell S. Schoenfeld and Marcia Hamilton.

Kathy Monroe, a native of Charleston, West Virginia is now a permanent Fort Myers resident. She moved from Pennsylvania, where she was employed as Executive Director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging in Reading, PA. She served on various local and state committees and was appointed by the Pennsylvania Secretary on Aging to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Cultural Diversity Advisory Council. Kathy has a Master’s of Science degree in Gerontological Services.

Lowell S. Schoenfeld, a long time resident of Fort Myers, is with the law firm of Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle. Practice areas are estate planning

and administration, corporate and business planning, wealth and asset preservation and protection. He is Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates. Lowell has served on many local boards including Lee County Planned Giving Council, American Red Cross Advisory Council and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties.

Marcia Hamilton holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences degree as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. She has 32 years’ experience as a registered Occupational Therapist. Marcia is a faculty member at Keiser University.

The responsibilities of the Advisory Council are to serve as a resource for the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees of the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center.

Advisory Council Welcome

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

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

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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

Recently, a caregiver recommended the book “Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers” by Paula Spencer Scott. The title alone peaked my interest, and I was not disappointed! The format of the book is easy to follow. The author and array of contributors are knowledgeable and relatable. They speak from professional and personal knowledge. Particularly helpful are the real life examples of challenges provided, followed by explanations of the challenge and possible interventions. Readers will find helpful information on the disease process as a whole, communication difficulties and opportunities, behavioral symptoms and management of, signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout and available resources. The author includes topics sometimes avoided in the overall discussion of memory impairment, like issues relating to sexuality and family dynamics, that many readers will find helpful. I recommend this book for caregivers needing another tool and resource to use in their daily journeys with their loved ones. “Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers” is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNobel.com, and we have a copy here at the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center.

BOOK REVIEWby Jessica MacDonald, LCSW

Dubin Golf Classic 2015Center Happenings

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

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Annual Meeting 2015Center Happenings

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AFHAV President, Sandy Heise presents Executive Director, Jan Kerlin with a

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heartbreak and despair in watching your loved one dissipate. I would suggest that you keep your environment as cheerful as possible.

I know that some of you are shaking your heads and asking, “How?” Well, take it from a veteran; throughout the decade I spent caring for my dad and searching for ways to cope, I discovered laughter is the best medicine.”

Take advantage of free moments when your loved one is resting or otherwise engaged. Don’t spend this time alone wallowing in your thoughts of the future and allowing yourself to sink deeper into grief and depression. Find ways to laugh. Spend time with people who are more easily optimistic or in a better situation than you and can help you see the silver lining. Watch movies and read books that are humorous and take your mind of the situation.

But above all, remember to laugh. Find a way, find a moment, and laugh every single day. As caregiver Gary LeBlanc said, “If I’m going to hurt, I’d rather have the pain be caused by laughing too hard. Throughout our caregiving journeys we deal with enough doom and gloom. Try to bring some sunshine and humor into your

life. Never forget to laugh.”In addition to helping yourself and

the environment stay cheerful, you can find moments to laugh with your loved one. Depending on the stage of dementia your loved one is in, you may want to be more careful about telling a joke that could offend them because they don’t understand. For those with mild to moderate dementia, blatant, obvious, slapstick humor works best as they won’t get as easily confused.

For those with advanced or late-stage dementia, play games like you would with a child, tossing a ball back and forth and laughing when you miss catching it. Read silly books and make funny sounds. At this stage they may not specifically smile or laugh with you, but the enjoyment will still have a positive impact.

Whether you’re laughing on your own or with your loved one, make it a priority. It may seem cliché to say that ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ But it has been proven time and time again to improve health, both physical and emotional. Life is much better as we laugh through it. As William Shakespeare said, “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”

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Disaster PreparednessBasic Checklist for Caregivers• Prepare a hurricane supply kit• Enroll your loved one in an identification bracelet program• Implement a safety plan• Prepare activity supplies for your loved one with memory impairment• Be aware of behavioral symptoms and appropriate interventions• Get to know your neighbors• Join a support group for caregivers

Before, during, and after a catastrophic event:

• Maintain a normal routine if possible• Anticipate needs of the person with memory impairment • Avoid continuous viewing of news stories regarding weather or aftermath of a hurricane• Make sure your loved one wears his ID bracelet at all times• Involve your loved one in enjoyable activities to divert attention away from the catastrophic event, but avoid being outdoors during hot mid-day hours

For a complete copy of Disaster Preparedness Tips for Caregivers, contact the Dubin

Alzheimer’s Resource Center at (239) 437-3007

Surviving Dementia (continued from page 1)

• Prepare a hurricane supply kit• Enroll your loved one in an identification bracelet program• Implement a safety plan• Prepare activity supplies for your loved one with memory impairment• Be aware of behavioral symptoms and appropriate interventions• Get to know your neighbors• Join a support group for caregivers

• Maintain a normal routine if possible• Anticipate needs of the person with memory impairment • Avoid continuous viewing of news stories regarding weather or aftermath of a hurricane• Make sure your loved one wears his ID bracelet at all times• Involve your loved one in enjoyable activities to divert attention away from the catastrophic event, but avoid being outdoors during hot mid-day hours

For a complete copy of Disaster Preparedness

Alzheimer’s Resource Center at (239) 437-3007

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

Gifts not listed will appear in the Fall issue.

In Memory OfClients and clients’ relatives Osterhout & McKinneyAaron Howze Hazel Howze Adele Sica Mary Rossi Clorinda Cooper Janet Elliott Dave Whitney Sherri Coburn George L. Brooks Elaine Carolyn and Harold Poylio Mr. & Mrs. Vaillant Lorine Thompson Susan and Bob Goetz Richard and Jerris Marilyn D. and Warren R. Hibben Joanne and Henry Henrickson Joyce and David Brooks Phyllis Bakko Janette E. Hicke Edith R. Brooks Betty Lou Pyle Margret Deason Adaline and Norman Sampson Giustina Liberti Rosemarie Forte John Lieberman Hilary and Michael Talis Juanita S Pitts Ina Hunsucker Margaret Gingell Garber Carol Donna and Jim DePowell Mildred L. Kroitzsch Kathy and Rob Scharlau Nancy and Kenneth Hollmann Earline Moll Statia Servick Janice and Bill Justice Pat Clemons Sharon and Jerry Nelson Sherri and Steve Roth Sandra Lamb Karly Grilliot Jan and Ron Davis Marjorie and Fred Nordstrom Ottawa Co. Board of Develp. Disabilities Beth Burgett Vicki Greer

Becky and Don Clemons Ronna Miller Majesta Davids Donna Swiergosz Sue Cloak Dawn Clemons and William Thompson Treva Profeta Patterson Conn Ashton Jeanne Ashton Ralph E. Smith Donna and Charles Harrigan Nancy Carignan Walkersville Volunteer Fire Co. Yvonne Castano Shirley Carter Sherri Coburn Tom Finneran Leona Conrad Carol and James Dodge Rebecca and Edward Vaughan Fiona Finneran Adriana Beatty Joan and A.J. Richter Marie and Floyd Callahan Marjorie Brooks Betsy Burdette Virginia and Donald Goetz Ina Hunsucker Anne Cirrito Traci Ferraro Sherri Coburn Individual Donations Ellie Fox Lila Williamson Terry Drake Pam Jamison Russell Carl Theorin Jennifer Felt Lois Timberlake George Glidden Alfred Holland Jeannette Botha Elizabeth and Arnold Harris Louise Paparella Josephine and William Bruce Jan Driefer Civic Gifts and Grants United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades NARFE Sanibel Congregational United Church Bayside Socialites

Heritage Palms Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association Events Heritage Palms Ladies 9 Hole Golf Assoc. Heritage Palms Golf & CC Heritage Palms Mens Golf Association Patricia Pfeiffer Jo Ann Alford Charlynn Allen Stasia Arcarese Christine Benoit Arlene Dugan Gerald Farrell Carrie Goga Lena Knight Linda Neisler James Salvaggio Judy Stedman Dinah Tansey Margaret Yang Kathleen Pedulla Lynne Vandy Mary Breen Janice Baldwin Janice Mathews Nellomi Carnahan Mary Valenti-Sizemore Jane Balfour Frank Boynton Gertrude Cleary Joann Cooney Brian Lee Mary Melone Jane McWeeny Gail Murdoch Miriam Shook Martha Simmons Melody Smothers Jean Truesdale Richard Grosse Adrian Stevens R. Salvaggio The Salvaggio Family Beller’s Salon & Spa Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders Saul Ewing Centre Square West Redar Golf 2 Gulf Realty Group K. Fortuna Realty Linda Lamb & Company Dennis L. Salvaggio, PA The Trophy Case of Ft Myers Brennan Grimm Insurance Agency Premier Showcase Design Herd Enterprises Inc Karen Schmidt Inc Weather Control Air Conditioning Inc CCC Ladies 9 Hole Golf Assn Rosemary Steadman Allstate

Gifts to the Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center

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 MYERSBroadway Community Church 2nd Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.

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 GORDAThe Palms of Punta Gorda 2nd Thursday, 2:00 p.m.PORT CHARLOTTECharlotte Cultural CenterThe Learning Place 4th Thursday, 10:30 a.m.ADULT CHILDREN GROUPDubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 1st Tuesday, 6:15 p.m.LONG TERM CAREDubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center 3rd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.

SPEAKERSVA Benefits,

What Family Caregivers Need to KnowRichard Beck, Veteran Services Manager

Department of Veterans AffairsCape Coral: July 16th | 2:00 p.m.

Evaluating Claims for “The Cure”Mary Freyre, RN

Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource CenterWestminster: July 22nd | 9:45 a.m.

Care Options, Costs and How to Pay for ItStuart Gaines, CPA/MBA

Satori PathwayLehigh Acres: August 3rd | 2:00 p.m.Cape Coral: August 20th | 2:00 p.m.Westminster: August 26th | 9:45 p.m.

To be AnnouncedCape Coral: September 17th | 2:00 a.m.Westminster: September 23rd | 9:45 a.m.

For information, please call(239) 437-3007.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.s. POsTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #914

FORT MYERs, Fl

12468 Brantley Commons CourtFort Myers, FL 33907(239) 437-3007www.alzheimersswfl.orginfo@alzheimersswfl.org

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUPS

Please Note Holiday Schedule Changes: * Lehigh September 7th group is cancelled due to Labor Day