Idaho - Boise and the Treasure Valley

Take action in the fight against Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reaching epidemic proportions, as the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Currently, 5.2 Americans are living with the disease and the number is expected to triple by the year 2050. The Alzheimer's Association is taking action to change these numbers and we need your help! Alzheimer's Association Trial Match Scientists are constantly working to advance research. Clinical research, with the help of human volunteers, is the only way to find better treatments, prevention and cures. Trial Match is a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with AD, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies. Our continuously updated database of over 130 AD clinical trials includes both pharmacological (drug) and non-drug studies being conducted at 500 trial sites across the country. To learn more, visit www.alz.org/trialmatch or call 1.800.272.3900 to speak directly with a clinical trials specialist. Become an Advocate for Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with AD and their families by carrying our message to elected officials at the federal, state and local levels. As an advocate you will receive regular updates about current legislative and public policy issues; invited to communicate with elected officials via petitions, phone calls and other calls-to-action; and asked to share your story with others. Make your voice heard by signing up today. Join us in helping achieve our vision of creating a world without Alzheimer's. Go to www.alz.org/advocacy to get involved right away! Walk to End Alzheimer's Walk to End Alzheimer's is the worlds largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions of people. Families, friends, co-workers, social and religious groups are invited to be a part of this fun experience. There is no fee to participate but all walkers are asked to set individual fund raising goals. It is easy to sign up a team online and use our interactive tools to reach out to others to raise awareness and funds which support local resources and research throughout the world. The Treasure Valley Walk is held in early October each year, followed by a Walk in the Magic Valley. Go online today to sign up and join in the fight at www.alz.org/walk!

Motivated by heart-breaking stories her own mother told about growing up in foster homes and determined to protect children in that situation now, Elaine Ellis became a Guardian ad Litem volunteer six years ago. Mom wasnt abused like many were back then, but she wasn't loved either, Elaine recalls. Now, she's working to make sure children in state custody, like 7-year-old Sarah and her 8-year-old brother, Elijah, are treated the way she wishes her Mom had been. Twice last year Sarah and Elijah needed someone in their corner, and both times Elaine was ready to stick up for them. The children's father disappeared years ago and their mother, Linda, fell and hit her head while working in Lewiston. Her injuries required a long hospital stay and months of rehabilitation. Doctors said it would be at least a year before she could care for herself and the children. With no one to care for them, Sarah and Elijah were placed in a foster home to wait for Linda to recover. Sarah and Elijah were devastated when I met them, Elaine said. I've never seen two sadder kids. Elaine visited them regularly - working hard to earn their trust in the months that followed. She took them books and blankets, checked on their grades, and listened to their stories about their Mother and all the things they would do when she was well. It was two months later that Sarah shared a secret with Elaine - a teenager in the foster home was abusing her brother, she confided. Elaine reported the abuse and Sarah and Elijah were immediately moved to another foster home. In the meantime, Linda's therapy progressed. Her condition improved enough to have visitors, and Sarah and Elijah were ecstatic to learn they would be able to see their mother over the Holiday break. Every time Elaine visited they were making plans for the visit. It was only four days before Christmas when Elaine got a frantic phone call from Carrie, the foster mom. Carrie told Elaine the arrangements for the children's Christmas visit with their mother hadn't been finalized, and no one at the Department of Health and Welfare had given approval for the trip. The person with the authority had left town, Elaine said. I just couldn't stand for them to have that kind of disappointment. It took dozens of calls and three trips to state offices but Elaine finally found someone with the authority and willingness to approve the trip, but there were still no travel arrangements. Finally, on Christmas Eve, Elaine found friends from church, foster parents, who were traveling to Lewiston and had room for two more passengers ensuring Sarah and Elijah would spend Christmas with their Mom as promised. There wasn't anyone to watch out for my Mom, Elaine said, I'm happy to be part of a program that watches out for kids like her now. Names changed to protect the identities of those we serve. This year over 1,100 children in the Treasure Valley were placed in foster care because of abuse or neglect. Family Advocates has trained over 350 volunteers to provide a voice to children in foster care through the Guardian ad Litem program. Family Advocates is in need of 120 additional volunteers to help meet demand and ensure all children have someone to stand up for them in times of need. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem and making a difference in a child's life contact Brad Talbutt at 345-3344 or email bradt@familyadvocate.org. No experience is required. Family Advocates provides all volunteers with training and supervision by experienced staff.

People often ask the question; Is it Alzheimer's or is it Dementia? The fact is; Dementia is the name that refers to all types of memory loss diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. In other words, Alzheimer's disease is a type of Dementia, the same as Vascular Dementia, Picks disease, Alcohol dementia, Lewy Body Disease, and the many other diseases that cause memory loss. Long ago, before these types of dementias had a name, it wasn't uncommon to hear families talk about their senile old grandma who just got crazy when she got old. Grandma probably suffered from one of these diseases and went undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately, people started understanding the need for specialized care. Both Assisted Living and Memory Care communities started coming around. Families are usually distressed and at wits end by the time they realize there is help out there. Many people have a hard time moving a parent or loved one into a community. They feel an overwhelming amount of guilt. But families are usually surprised and relieved when they see their loved ones doing well in an environment that is tailored to their needs. Its usually not long before grandma is engaging in activities, both group and individual. She's eating nutritious meals, having personal care done by caregivers that specialize in dementia. These diseases don't reverse, so grandma will continue with this journey, but she will be in good hands and take each day as it comes. Often the families or caregivers say they wish they had done this sooner, but they had no idea that there were places available where grandma could still have a quality life. Here are some common tips when the time comes to look into getting help. First understand that the people caring for the person with dementia need help, guidance and reassurance as well. When visiting communities, look for happy employees that are engaged with the residents. Ensure the community is secure with outdoor spaces that allow residents to wander safely. Does it have the look and feel of a home? Are their odors? A Steinberg study shows that smaller homes, or clusters are the most desirable environment. Avoiding too much stimulation or confusion. And finally; does it feel good; is it right for you and your family? Being a caregiver for your loved one 24/7 can become exhausting and overwhelming. Just know you don't have to go through it alone. There are many free resources available to help you along the way. If you need help finding resources, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you. Authors Note: Written by JoAnne Mohrland/Executive Director Regency Columbia Village 208-344-2954

At Saint Alphonsus, volunteers are a significant part of the healthcare team. We are proud of all our volunteers who freely give of their valuable time and talents to support our mission. Our volunteers have a very important role to play and help us build positive relationships with patients and family members. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from high school students to adults to seasonal visitors and retirees. Our volunteers work directly with people and provide behind the scenes support. Benefits of VolunteeringMake Someone's Day Better and Brighter!You have the power to help a Saint Al's patient have a better day by making them smile and providing a little sunshine with your words and actions. Finding ConnectionWhen we reach out to others, we make a connection, we find commonality and share a laugh. Often, it's as simple as asking how a patient's day is going; or finding out if they are native Idahoans or recently moved to the state; if they are Boise State fans; or the name of their favorite pet waiting for them at home. A Physical Feeling of FulfilmentSaint Alphonsus volunteers often boast of their higher-than-normal step count after a volunteer shift, but it's more than moving our bodies, it's feeling good about ourselves. Volunteers often experience a "helper's high," defined by psychologists as the brain releasing good chemicals after performing acts of kindness. In addition, people who volunteer have higher self-confidence and feelings of fulfillment. NetworkingWe have many high school and college students who volunteer to find out more about health care as a career. They work side-by-side with doctors and nursing. The backbone of our program, however, is retired adults. Our retirees enjoy working together and form friendships that bubble over into fun activities outside their volunteer careers. ThankfulnessWhen we help others, we have more empathy for others. And compassion often provides us with a frame of reference for our own situations. It may even help us be more appreciative of our own lives.                                                                                                                                                                                     Are you ready to benefit from volunteering?  Email us at bo-volunteers@sarmc.org  Faith Community Nursing Health MinistrySaint Alphonsus Health System partners with houses of worship of all faith traditions and community organizations, in building and sustaining a Faith Community Nurse Health Ministry.   This ministry helps to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of community members. The Saint Alphonsus Faith Community Nurse Health Ministry is a bridge between hospital, church and community.Faith Community NursingFaith Community Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit, promotion of whole-person health and the prevention or minimization of illness within the context of a faith community and the wider community.   A Faith Community Nurse is a registered nurse with an intentional focus on spiritual health, who primarily uses interventions of education, counseling, prayer, presence, active listening, advocacy, and referral. Guided by the Scope and Standards of Faith Community Nursing, these nurses serve in community settings that are diverse in denomination, size, race, and ethnicity. Areas that a faith community nurse may assist community members with are: Health Educator Facilitates understanding of integration of health   and spirituality. Facilitates group education presentations Leads wellness activities Offers individuals/families appropriate resources   regarding health concerns Provides resources for grief / mental health well-being support Advocate Helps clients to access the   appropriate healthcare and   community resources.Supports members in positive  lifestyle changes. Home visits and Pet therapy Health MinsterA health minister is a person who feels a calling to serve their community by promoting whole-person health and wellness.   Health Ministers are educated with a preparation program provided by Saint Alphonsus.  After training they are encouraged to contribute their services to a Health Ministry Program,often under the guidance of a Faith Community Nurse or Health Ministry Team Leader.  Health Ministers are lead by guidelines from the Health Ministries Association www.HMASSOC.org For more information contact:Cari Moodie, RN, Coordinator,Faith Community NursingPhone: (208) 367-6494                  E-mail: Cari.Moodie@SaintAlphonsus.org