November Is National Family Caregiver Month

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER’S MONTH:

Local Soquel Caregiver takes Action!

People who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia can feel isolated, lost, hopeless and helpless. The disease has no cure, no treatment, no way to even slow it down.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is spotlighting remarkable caregivers who were empowered through action. By volunteering, they advocate and educate, participate in clinical trials, and raise awareness and funds to find a cure. Their stories are empowering and uplifting and offer a voice and hope to those living with this disease.

Francie’s Story:

Francie Newfield is a long time resident of Soquel, retired Healthcare professional, political advocate, and family member. Francie’s career as a social worker brought her into the lives of many families living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia's.

Their stories and experiences were what initially inspired her to become involved with the Alzheimer’s Association mission and services. Then unfortunately, the disease impacted her family - when her mother-in-law was diagnosed - and she experienced caregiving first hand.

Today, Francie is on the board of the Northern CA and Northern NV Alzheimer’s Association chapter, and actively participates as member of the local Ambassador Team for Congressman Sam Farr. She writes letters, attends conferences, and has traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Congress and push the legislative priorities that will help more families.

She was also recently appointed as Ambassador to State Assembly Member Mark Stone.

Locally, Francie also facilitates a twice monthly Support Group for family caregivers in the middle and later stages of living with memory loss, as well as co-facilitates an annual educational workshop for families who are in the early stages of the diagnosis.

Public Participation in National Family Caregiver Month: We are inviting the public to honor special caregivers they know by posting a picture or story at alz.org/honor.

Other Resources Available to Caregivers: The Alzheimer’s Association offers a deep pool of resources to caregivers, including a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900, a website just for caregivers at alz.org/care, as well as local support groups and educational workshops.

There are 1.6 million family caregivers in California who might be uplifted and inspired by Francie’s story, who can be recognized at alz.org/honor, or who might benefit from the web and helpline resources available.

--Image courtesy of Alzheimer's Association