HONORING ELIZABETH

Dear Caregivers and Friends,

Happy New Year. I pray that you are all doing well and had an enjoyable holiday season. I am looking forward to another great year of sharing H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey with caregivers. I am also increasing my volunteer roles with the Alzheimer’s Association as a State Champion (advocacy) and Faith Outreach Representative.

Honoring Elizabeth
My mother Elizabeth would have celebrated her 100^th birthday on January 15th. My brothers and I were on her Alzheimer’s journey together for over 11 years. Now, my mother is with me on a different journey as I work to help caregivers have a less stressful, more rewarding experience. Please see the beautiful Greenville & Hockessin LIFE magazine article written by Richard Gaw entitled “Honoring Elizabeth.” 

http://www.ghlifemagazine.com/2019/11/21/291010/honoring-elizabeth

AFA Scholarship

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America sponsors the Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest. College-bound high school seniors impacted (family, community, awareness, etc.) by dementia are eligible. The grand prize is $5000. In 2019, almost $35,000 was awarded. The deadline for the 1200 to 1500-word essay is February 28th. For more information visit: https://alzfdn.org/young-leaders-of-afa/scholarship-contest/ 

Best Book Award

The American Book Fest has named H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer’s Journey: Help, Organization, Preparation, and Education for the Road Ahead an award-winning finalist. H.O.P.E. was a finalist in both the “Health: General” and Self-Help: General” categories. There were over 2,000 entries in the 2019 Best Book Awards, one of their most competitive years since its inception in 2004. I am so honored to receive this double recognition from The American Book Fest. 

Upcoming Events

I am currently developing my 2020 schedule to share H.O.P.E. with support groups, senior facilities, churches, and workplaces. Please contact me if you would like me to share H.O.P.E. with your group. Visit carolbamos.com for an update of my events.

January 15: Alzheimer’s Support Group, Artis Senior Living (PA)  

January 19: Wellness Center Presentation, Red Clay Presbyterian Church, 500 McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, DE,  9:30 – 10:30 am

February 22: Annual Black Expo, Canaan Baptist Church, 3011 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, DE, 11 am – 4 pm

March 7: DE Resorts Health-Fitness & Leisure Expo, Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE,   9 am – 4 pm

June 16: Alzheimer’s Support Group, Artis Senior Living (NJ)

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

Dear caregivers and readers,

Happy Thanksgiving! As we near the end of National Family Caregivers Month, I want to thank you for all that you do to help and enrich the lives of those you care for. 

Social Media during National Family Caregivers Month

My social media posts this month have focused on caregivers. I have posted articles on caregiver resources, managing emotions, self-care, and Alzheimer's education. You can review these posts on:

• Facebook: HopefortheAlzheimersJourney 
• LinkedIN: Carol B Amos 
• Twitter: @carolbamos

Caregivers in the Workplace 

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, I wrote an editorial, "How Businesses can Support Caregiver Employees." Businesses lose billions of dollars annually due to turnover, absenteeism, decreased productivity, lost institutional knowledge, and increased healthcare costs for caregivers. Supporting caregivers helps businesses. The editorial also shares tips for caregivers to balance caregiving and career.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2019/10/30/heres-how-businesses-can-support-caregiver-employees-opinion/2494686001/ 

"In Our Right Mind" (Luke 8:35) 

I had the pleasure of attending the Philadelphia screening of "In Our Right Mind: Alzheimer's and other Dementias' Impact in Communities of Color" by journalist Renee Chenault Fattah. The documentary was informative and highlighted many critical issues. This film will help start the dialog and reduce the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease so that communities of color can benefit from education and resources. I was thrilled to be part of the community panel afterwards. Thank you Renee for following your dream and continuing to have an impact on our community.

Philadelphia NBC affiliate Chanel 10 will air the documentary Saturday, November 30th at 7 PM. Here is a video of the Philadelphia screening.

                          https://youtu.be/i2yl2aBrSLk

NYC Big Book Award

I was honored that “H.O.P.E. for the Alzheimer's Journey” was selected as the 2019 NYC Big Book Award winner for the Caregiving category. Judges from this international competition are experts in the publishing industry, including editors, writers, publishers, professional copywriters, and book cover designers. New York City Big Book Award winners are based on overall excellence. 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/168350903X
• Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-for-the-alzheimers-journey-carol-b-amos-cds/1127954561?ean=9781683509035

2020 Schedule

I am taking time off in December to rejuvenate but I am working on my 2020 calendar. I am currently scheduling speaking engagements at expos, churches, workplaces, community events, and senior living facilities. Please let me know of opportunities in your area.

Please have an enjoyable holiday season. Please consider that as a caregiver, you may have to alter or create new holiday traditions. Also consider purchasing a copy of H.O.P.E. for another caregiver. May God be with you and your family and have a Happy New Year.

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.