April 2010 Newsletter

Elder Service Providers Professional Dinner

Celebrate with us at the 2010 Elder Service Providers Professional Dinner on Wednesday, April 28th at Broadway Hall in Bellingham. The dinner is guaranteed to be a wonderful evening of laughter, entertainment and networking. You deserve it!

RSVPs are requested no later than noon Wednesday, April 21st.

The cost of the dinner can be paid at the door and is $15 for ESP members and $20 for non-members and guests. The price includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, wine and coffee. There will also be entertainment throughout the evening.

For additional information feel free to contact Cindy Sherwin at cindy@cindysherwin.com or 360-647-2280.

National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16, 2010

Elder Service Providers is teaming up with the Whatcom County Medical Society and Whatcom Hospice and St Joseph Hospital Foundation to present an open house for National Healthcare Decision Day

These organizations along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16, 2010 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). We will be providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with WA state laws.  These resources are available at nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org  and will be available at the open house from 9a-4pm. 

Elder Care Options: Help When You Need It with Debbie Gann

Many of us will one day find ourselves needing care for our self or a loved one. This valuable workshop demystifies the maze of support options available. Learn about alternative living situations, transportation, nutritional and medical services, in-home care including home-health and hospice, as well as how to access these options. Discover costs of each and the role of Medicare, Medicaid, LTC insurance, and other funding options. Instructor Debbie Gann, director of Home Attendant Care has 20+ years of experience.

S8164 / 1 session $19 6:00 -8:30 PM MON: 4/26 WCC - Kelly 105

Register by phone at (360)383-3200 or online at whatcomcommunityed.com.

Alzheimer Society of Washington

Memory Awareness Screenings, 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:30am-12:30pm at St. Luke's Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. Contact us for an appointment at 360-671-3316 or drop in. The screening is non-invasive, non-threatening and takes only a few minutes -only you receive the results. It is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns and options. This is a free service but donations are gratefully accepted.

Alzheimer Society of Washington

2010 Spring Workshop with Teepa Snow, Dementia Care & Training Specialist. Join us for "The Dementia Journey-Finding the Best Route" on April 16, 2010, 8:00am-4:30pm at Christ the King Center, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham.  Continuing education units are available.  Pre-registration required.  Call for registration or vendor information 360-671-3316.

Alzheimer Society of Washington

11th Annual "Miles for Memories" A walk and sanctioned run featuring food, fun, families, and dogs!May 15, 2010 at the Fairhaven Village Green in Bellingham, Washington.Festivities begin at 8:30 am, starting gun is at 9:00 am.

Join us for a scenic course through Boulevard Park and when you return to the Village Green, enjoy music, food, and watching dogs compete for prizes. Funds raised help the Alzheimer Society continue to assist local families affected by dementia with programs free of charge.
Interested in a vendor table for the event? Cost $50 + sponsorship of an activity at your table.

This year we expect over 600 participants!  In an effort to make this a fun, community event, we are asking vendors to provide a fun activity for our participants. Listed below are some ideas/examples of things your company can bring/hire/provide at your booth:

• Face painter
• Decorate cookies
• Balloon artist/shaper
• Clowns
• Carnival Game
• Caricaturist

Use your imagination and have fun!For more information regarding vendor booths, contact Cynthia Martell at (360) 224-0097 or by email at cynthia@practicalsolutionsmatter.com.

Dimensions – A Dementia Education Workshop Series

Join our free dementia educational series, offered the fourth Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 pm.  Led by Leta Benfield, RN and Director of Wellness at Birchview Memory Care, this series educates, encourages, and empowers family and friends on how to deal with challenging behaviors, how to navigate the practical daily needs of dementia, and more.

The following topics will be covered:/p>

• Self Care for Families - April 22nd, 2 pm to 4 pm

To sign up or to learn more, call Kirk Blankenship, Community Relations Director at 360-856-1911.

Note from the Editor

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