I pray that you are doing well. If you are a caregiver I hope you are able to take time for yourself and set aside quality time to spend and enjoy your loved one. I pray that “H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey” is helping you have a less stressful, more rewarding journey.

This year has been so exciting for “H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey.” 

Book Excellence Award

I am excited to announce that my book, "H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, and Education for the Road Ahead" was named a Book Excellence Awards winner in the Caregiving category. H.O.P.E. was selected for its high-quality writing, design, and overall market appeal. H.O.P.E. has helped hundreds of caregivers have a less stressful, more rewarding journey. Thanks to my family, friends, and caregivers who have supported H.O.P.E throughout this journey. To view my complete award listing, you can visit: 

https://honorees.bookexcellenceawards.com/#!/H-O-P-E-for-the-Alzheimer%E2%80%99s-Journey-Help-Organization-Preparation-and-Education-for-the-Road-Ahead-Caregiving/p/143373805/category=36034730

Social Media

Please follow me on social media to receive important caregiving information. Earlier this year I presented my H.O.P.E. series. The content was based on my book “H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey.” In February I discussed getting HELP and ways to establish a circle of support. The March focus was ORGANIZATION of the loved one’s appropriate paperwork (medical, financial, legal, etc.) in one place. I shared an article on organization apps and tools. In April I discussed the importance of PREPARATION for the next level of care by identifying and evaluating professional caregivers, residential options, etc. I also encouraged caregivers to develop a plan to take care of themselves. May was dedicated to caregiver EDUCATION through conferences, support groups, social media, and books.

You can find me at:

• LinkedIN at Carol B. Amos
• Facebook @hopeforthealzheimersjourney
• Twitter @Carolbamos

Conferences, Conferences, and more Conferences

This year I have attended many conferences in the Delaware Valley so I can continue to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving. In April, I presented “The Caregiving Principle” at the Alzheimer’s Association Family Caregiver Conference in New Castle, DE. In June I attended the Alzheimer’s Solutions Conference sponsored by InvestAcure at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. The conference brought together researchers, physicians, dementia care professionals, persons living with dementia, caregivers, advocates, financial experts, and investors. The program included presentations on clinical trial-ready drugs, investing in Alzheimer’s drug development, and lifestyle interventions. The goal of Investacure is to transition investment leadership in drug discovery so that collectively, individuals like you and I can help drive Alzheimer’s drugs to the market and to our loved ones. This conference inspired me to write the following editorial in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month for The News Journal:

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2019/06/19/we-need-change-way-we-develop-alzheimers-drugs-opinion/1489917001/

“In Our Right Mind” (Luke 8:35) 

I was honored to be a guest for Renee Chenault Fattah on “The Source,” WURD Radio. Renee, former Philadelphia NBC news anchor, is working on a documentary “In Our Right Mind: Alzheimer’s and Dementias’ Impact in Communities of Color.” As April guest host, Renee had an expert lineup of guests engaging listeners on topics of caregiving, research, health education, reducing risk factors, and social determinants of health. Visit her website, https://www.reneechenaultfattah.com for useful caregiver information and updates on the premier of her documentary.

Upcoming Events

Here are some of my upcoming events but visit my website for the complete listing. Please help me spread my message of H.O.P.E. Contact me if you would like me to speak at your workplace, church, senior center, etc.

• September 4 – 11, 2019, Cleveland, OH Book Tour including presentations for the Cleveland Clinic Healthy Community Initiative.

• October 5, 2019, 4 – 6 pm, Hockessin Book Shelf (Hockessin, DE), Local Author Showcase

• October 15, 2019 – Presentation of “The Caregiving Principle” at the Alzheimer’s Association Family Caregiver Conference. Details soon.

• November 2, 2019, 9 am – 5 pm, Delaware Resorts 55+ Expo, Cape Henlopen High School (Lewes, DE)

• November 16, 2019, 10 am – 4 pm LancoExpo, Quarryville Library (Quarryville, PA)

• November 20, 2019, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Alzheimer’s Association 2019 Delaware Dementia Conference, Delaware Technical Community College (Dover Delaware).  Panelist for “Behavioral and Communication Techniques in Dementia Care.” Registration Required.

Welcome and thank you for reading my first website newsletter. I pray that you are doing well and that you remain encouraged. A lot has transpired since I met many of you at the Philadelphia Dementia Conference in May. 

My focus has been my passion, which is to share my book H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey to make the journey for caregivers less stressful and more rewarding. I have had multiple speaking engagements, I provided H.O.P.E. to some retirement and Alzheimer’s Association libraries, and my editorial was published in the Wilmington News Journal. In June, I travelled with the Alzheimer’s Association to Capitol Hill to advocate for increased research funding. I have also sold the book for fundraisers like the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day. Pictures from these events and useful caregiver information are on my website at www.carolbamos.com.

I have increased my presence on social media where I share useful caregiver information. Please follow me on: 

• LinkedIN at Carol B. Amos
• Facebook @hopeforthealzheimersjourney
• Twitter @Carolbamos

Share or retweet some of my posts with your network.

H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, and Education for the Road Ahead launched October 16th. It is available at Amazon.com, some bookstores, and my website. At Amazon.com you can preview the book and read the many positive reviews from family and professional caregivers. Please purchase H.O.P.E. for yourself or a caregiver for a less stressful, more rewarding journey. 

Christmas holidays can be difficult for those caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Although caregivers long for holidays of the past, caregivers can shift their thinking and create new traditions. These new traditions may be a less stressful Christmas such as a simpler Christmas dinner and reduced gift giving.

Caregivers can make the holiday enjoyable for their loved one. Possible activities to celebrate the season are:

• A car ride to view Christmas light displays in the neighborhood
• A visit to view Christmas decorations at the mall (select less busy times)
• A hayride in the park (depends on weather and physical ability)
• Christmas concerts at church, mall, library, etc.
• A visit to a live Nativity scene
• Participate in neighborhood or church Christmas caroling

Friends and church members can give the gift of help to caregivers during this season and throughout the year. Some suggestionsare:

• Offer to stay with or do an activity with the person with Alzheimer’s giving the caregiver a break,
• Offer to prepare a meal for the family.
• Offer to run errands for the caregiver.
• Offer a ride.
• Offer to take the person with Alzheimer’s to an event.

Talking, listening, and providing encouragement to caregivers are always in season.
This is the season of giving. Reach out to a caregiver and show the love of Jesus Christ.