Minutes from November 18, 2014 Meeting

Aging and Disability Network Meeting Notes for 11/18/14

Present: Mary Rickard (Saratoga County OFA), Patrick Harrington (Saratoga County OFA), Connie Weaver (Saratoga County OFA), Reed Lehan (Saratoga County DSS), Denise DiNoto (Consumer Directed Choices), Ardis Armer (Saratoga County OFA), Jess Froehlich (Eddy Daybreak ADS), Jessi Corrigan (Mechanicville ACSC), Beverly Custer (Mechanicville ACSC), Courtney Brothers (Mechanicville ACSC), Deanne Stephenson (Elderplan MLTC), Pamela Cole (Elderplan/Home First), Rebecca Zohn (Concepts of Independent Choices), Karen Laing (Health Literacy For All, Inc.), JoAnn Zales (National Grid), Rick Amico (Community Hospice), Maura Fleming (Alzheimer’s Association NENY), Bri Giulianelli (Alzheimer’s Assoc. NENY), Ben Nichols (Saratoga County OFA).

Introductions: Attendees introduced themselves.

December’s meeting will be held on 12/9 at 2pm, at the Malta Community Center.

Today’s Topic: Conversations About Dementia, presented by Brigitta Giulianelli of the Alzheimer’s Association of NENY.

Bri went over some topics that often need to be broached by caregivers when their parents and other family members become older. Medical care, end of life care and financial planning are all related to this, and come up more quickly when an aging relative shows signs of dementia. Despite the discomfort, conversations do need to happen, sooner rather than later, possibly in the midst of a crisis.

Important points:

• Be prepared – don’t wait for the crisis to happen
• Develop a plan to gently position the discussion for a positive outcome.
• Take notes about changes you see in the person’s behavior
• Practice having the conversation in advance
• Try to be relaxed and comfortable when you have the discussion.

Here are some tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can reduce the stress that accompanies the disease and get the support you and your family need:

Going to the Doctor:

Use words that are most comfortable for the person.

Suggest Medicare’s free Annual Wellness Visit.

Pair an enjoyable outing with the doctor’s visit.

Invite family to communicate questions and concerns to the doctor.

If still reluctant, try using a therapeutic fib.

Some talking points:

“I’m noticing that you’re forgetting more things lately. Let’s talk with the doctor about it to see what we can do.”

“Let’s make an appointment for your annual wellness visit and we’ll go out to lunch afterward.”

“The doctor needs to see you before she can renew your prescriptions.”

Deciding when to stop driving:

Plan ahead before an accident occurs. Express your concern about specific changes you noticed. Appeal to the person’s sense of responsibility and concern for others.

Offer alternate plans for transportation.

Some talking points:

            “Would you want to know if I noticed any changes in your driving?”

            “Last month I noticed some scratches on your car. I’m worried and I want to talk to you about it.”

            “I know you wouldn’t want an accident to happen – or for you or someone else to get hurt.”

Making legal and Financial Plans:

Begin by explaining you are in this together.

Start by asking questions and gathering documents.

Explain that these are standard plans that need to be made as we get older.

Break the conversation into parts, and try different times and locations.

Involve others as needed.

Some talking points:

“We need to make plans so that I can be sure you’re cared for in the ways that you want.”

“By getting the necessary paperwork done now, we can relax and focus on enjoying time together. We don’t want to have to make plans in a crisis.”

“We are updating all of our family documents and we want to make sure you are included. It will help us find your documents in case of an emergency.”

For more information and resources, visit alz.org/elearning, or call Brigitta Giulianelli at the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 518-867-4999.