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Videocaregiving.org: A Groundbreaking New Resource for Family Caregivers

March 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 8, 2010

http://www.videocaregiving.org is the first and the only website of its kind? dedicated exclusively to offering streaming videos as a resource to help the nation?s estimated 50 million family caregivers? family members, friends, even neighbors– all of whom provide some form of unpaid, in-home continuing care for a loved one. Among the goals of the site are not only to help the caregivers better understand and deal with their situation, but also to remind?and actually SHOW?them they are neither isolated nor alone in their struggle.

Facts about caregiving in the U.S.:

There are approximately 50 million family caregivers in America providing over 80% of all of the long term care in this country. And the estimated value of family caregivers ?free? caregiving services was more than $ 375 BILLION dollars in 2007?more than the total Medicaid spending in 2007 ($ 311 million) and as much as the sales of the world?s largest companies, Wal-Mart ($ 379 billion, the most of any company) and ExxonMobil ($ 359 million). These caregivers are largely invisible, part of a process that helps to prop up our nation?s healthcare system and that turns the architecture of the family upside down, turning children into parents and parents into children.

Facts about the site:

The videos on the website are original footage, documentary in style, focusing on real stories of real people in real circumstances. All are drawn from films either produced or distributed by Terra Nova Films, a company that has for nearly 30 years been a leader in the use of video in the training and development of tens of thousands of professional caregivers, ranging from doctors and nurses to college professors and social workers, even lawyers and police. An advisory team of representatives from the leading caregiving organizations and a production team of experts on caregiving and Alzheimer?s disease came together to create this resource, which offers specific videos on Alzheimer?s disease and general caregiving.

The 5-8 minute videos are simple, clear and to the point. Every video can be played by itself or alongside a text portion that summarizes the piece and offers information that takes the user ?beyond the video.? The Web site is a place where ?seeing is not only believing?but also caring.? Long-time journalist and award-winning documentary producer Bill Kurtis speaks to the storytelling power of the visual imagery on the site in his introduction. Users call the site groundbreaking for its use of video — going beyond the statistics and numbers — to show the human struggle taking place in millions of households throughout this country.

?Having real people made the difference. You can read all you want and it doesn?t compare to real people talking. My favorite is the one of the mother and daughter and the emotional roller coaster because that is my story. I understand her saying her life is not her own. I related to the anger. The one about the husband and wife team broke my heart. It is sad. He is a wonderful man ?.? Terry in CT, caring for her mother with dementia.

?The videos reinforced that I am normal. The video of the man that had to put his wife in the nursing home validated my feelings when I had to do the same thing. You feel like you are giving up, but you are really not because it is what you have to do for both of you ?.? Ann in IL, caring for her parents.

The launch is only the first phase of a website that will include additional videos on other diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson?s and include a ?Storytelling Place? where visitors can offer their own visual treatments of their caregiving experiences, either with video or through still photos. Work has also begun on the development of a Spanish language version of the site. Research indicates that of the estimated 50 million caregivers in the country, 8 million are Hispanic. And, a third of these Hispanic households have at least one caregiver, many of those dealing with somebody who has Alzheimer?s. Over 40 percent of these caregivers said they?d been forced into making major changes in their lives, from cutting back on their working hours, to changing jobs to taking a leave of absence or stopping work altogether.

Development of http://www. videocaregiving.org has been underwritten in part by the Retirement Research Foundation, the nation?s largest private foundation devoted solely to serving the needs of older Americans and enhancing their quality of life, and the Chicago Community Trust.

VideoCaregiving.org: Quick Facts

A Visual Education Center for Family Caregivers


What is it?
Videocaregiving.org is a first-of-its-kind, video-based Web site that includes all-original, documentary material showing real people caring for loved ones in real life scenarios.

Who created this site?
This visual education center for family caregivers is presented online by Chicago-based Terra Nova Films. Terra Nova has the expertise to present this resource, with nearly 30 years of storytelling about later life, aging and healthcare through documentary-style films. Terra Nova is the only company in the U.S. focusing on these issues with video.

Who is the intended audience?
The Web site is a FREE resource to the estimated 50 million in-home caregivers in the U.S.

What is on the site?
The site features exclusive documentary-style videos, created by a team of award-winning film producers, which follow real- life people as real- life stories and issues unfold. The videos are the primary messenger on the site, but informative tips and educational text also is offered.

Why is a resource such as this Web site necessary?
In households throughout the country –and the world — family members, friends, even neighbors — provide some form of unpaid continuing care in the home. The mission of this site is to provide these caregivers tools to better understand and deal with their situation, and let them know that they are neither isolated nor alone in their struggle.

What makes this site unique among caregiving Web sites?
The documentary style footage can be an important and helpful resource for everyday caregivers, The web site and all of its content is presented by Terra Nova Films, which for nearly 30 years has created and distributed videos to train doctors, nurses and professional caregivers. The advisory council for this project includes representatives from all the major caregiving associations in the country.

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Filed Under: Alzheimer's Disease Tagged With: , , , ,

Winnick Family Foundation Lauds Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Disease Discovery

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 10, 2010

The Winnick Foundation was part of a consortium of private philanthropies, universities and federal agencies supporting research that has led to a new discovery that may lead to earlier diagnosis, intervention and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease. The occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more prevalent worldwide as the baby-boom generation ages, but there is presently no conclusive, non-invasive way to diagnose it.

The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in collaboration with colleagues from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and the University of Southern California. The team’s findings were presented on July 13 at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Said Gary Winnick, founder and CEO of Pacific Capital Group: “This research brought together some of the finest talents in medicine from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and the University of Southern California. My family is pleased to be part of that funding group and we all hope that this breakthrough will greatly simplify and speed up early detection of this devastating disease that affects so many millions around the world.”

The scientific team discovered that the same nerve-cell damaging plaque that accumulates in the brain with Alzheimer’s also builds up in the retinas of the eyes. The team has both confirmed this phenomenon in humans and is now perfecting early detection techniques using non-invasive optical imaging procedures in tests with live laboratory mice. The breakthrough suggests the possibility of monitoring Alzheimer’s disease in humans through a similar, simple retinal imaging approach.

Added Gary Winnick: “Earlier studies have suggested that changes in the brain brought in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may begin years or even decades before symptoms occur. The results of this new finding suggests that doctors may finally be able to provide earlier, reliable detection and begin in earnest to develop effective remedies for this debilitating disease.”

About the Winnick Family Foundation

The Winnick Family Foundation encourages project-specific programs but also selectively supports capital campaigns and unrestricted gifts to grantee organizations. There is a preference for projects in Los Angeles and New York – or those having an international component.

Foundation naming grants include:

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Family Motocross Rally To Benefit Mitochondrial Disease

January 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Cedar Springs, MI (PRWEB) September 23, 2010

Payton DeWitt is 5 years old and suffers from mitochondrial disease. Her mother Michelle says she will never forget when Payton first began showing symptoms at just three weeks old. ?I began to feel as if the life I knew was about to change drastically. I discovered that mitochondrial disease is a relatively new disease and that research on its cause and treatment is limited due to a lack of awareness and funding.?

The mitochondria act as the ?powerhouse? of the cell to produce energy for the body to live. Mitochondrial disease is an energy metabolism disorder that affects babies, children, and adults of all ages, races, and gender. Experts agree that at least 1 in 4000 individuals have mitochondrial disease; however, “Mito” may be under-diagnosed until improvements in diagnosis and awareness occur.

Symptoms of ?Mito? vary in type and severity, and commonly include muscle weakness, fatigue, seizures, gastrointestinal dysfunction, developmental delay, vision and hearing loss, and organ failure. Today there is no cure for mitochondrial disease; treatment is focused on energy conservation and vitamin therapy. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been related to other diseases including autism, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

?Little things we take for granted are huge hurdles for Payton. However, as a family, we have decided not to dwell on the negative aspects of this disease, but rather work to help Payton live her life to the absolute fullest,? says Michelle.

Participants can find registration details, make a donation and learn more about the motocross event at http://paytonsraceforacure.com. The event takes place at the end of mitochondrial disease awareness week.

Payton?s Race for a Cure is sponsored by Saranac Foods, Audiomasters, S. Abraham & Sons, Caledonia Rent-All, Sparrow Graphics, and B.C. Pizza.

MitoAction is a 501(c)3 charity formally incorporated in 2005 to provide programs and resources centered on support, education, and advocacy for patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

Learn more, show your support and request your green awareness ribbon and your free awareness kit at http://www.MitoAction.org.

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Filed Under: Alzheimer's Disease Tagged With: , , , , ,

Charity Efforts Trending Toward Family Caregivers

December 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Gilbert, AZ (Vocus) November 5, 2010 ?

Goodwill efforts are taking new aim ? toward fortifying the family members who care for loved ones. Of the organizations that help family caregivers, Synergy HomeCare offers the newest helping hand toward this group of selfless volunteers: Arms Around Family Caregivers.

Thousands of people in the United States are affected by breast cancer. Others suffer from Alzheimer?s disease. By raising awareness and funds for medical advancements many charities have put up a good fight against these debilitating and lethal conditions. However, instead of choosing one cause to support, or focusing on curing one disease, charity efforts are trending toward a more centralized support group.

Daily interaction and care coordination with family caregivers is part of the job for the caregivers at Synergy HomeCare. Though the company is relatively young, it has opened a mature campaign that embraces this group of selfless volunteers.

?The impact made by family caregivers through their daily and prolonged assistance has gone relatively unnoticed for many years. Though they unknowingly provide a good example to their family and their community, the strain of balancing the care of their loved ones often decreases their health and general well being. Family caregivers need to be supported just as much as their sick or aging relatives?, says Kitty Vradenburg, Franchise Support Manager for Synergy HomeCare.

This month is a special time for these organizations to celebrate family caregivers across the nation. The official declaration of November as National Family Caregiver month comes directly from The White House.

?Caregiving support is at the heart of my Administration?s commitment to assisting our Nation?s families?, says President Obama. ?Every day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and financial assistance. As the foundation of America?s long-term care system, these individuals give millions of Americans the peace of mind and security that only family can provide.?

Since many family caregivers take on the care of their needy family members without prior training, their primary need is education. Arms Around Family Caregivers offers educational support through regular blog postings, and by opening 8 hours of free educational courses through its Life Time Learning program.

?This program is designed for and tailored to the needs of family caregivers. At the end of 8 hours, any family caregiver will know how to better care for their loved ones as well as themselves?, says Kitty Vradenburg. ?When family caregivers know the basics of caring for others, communicating with doctors, and using assistive devices, their lives become much easier.?

Emotional support is also very important for family caregivers, who often feel isolated in their role as designated care provider for their loved ones. Though many family caregivers have siblings or spouses who can share the care load, one family member usually takes most of the responsibility upon themselves.

Because family caregivers are greatly appreciated by their kin, Arms Around Family Caregivers accepts the stories of family caregivers across the nation. With the help of the blogging community in the form of comments on votes on these stories, the recipient of 40 hours of respite care, courtesy of Synergy HomeCare, will be selected.

Created expressly for the purpose of providing the emotional and educational support the family caregivers desperately need, Arms Around Family Caregivers is a boon to the many family members seeking daily support. With the increasing outpour of support for family caregivers, the bigger the blanket of care for the sick and aging.

To learn more about Arms Around Family Caregiver, visit http://blog.synergyhomecare.com.

Contact: Kate Lathrop

(480) 659-7771

klathrop(at)synergyhomecare(dot)com

About Synergy HomeCare

Synergy HomeCare is a national franchise of non-medical home care dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. Synergy HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need ? including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more. Founded in 2002 in Gilbert, Ariz., Synergy HomeCare now has 105 franchises in more than 35 states. For additional information, please visit http://www.synergyhomecare.com.

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Related Alzheimer Disease Press Releases

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BrightStar?s Hire an Elf(TM) Program Relieves Holiday Stress for Family Caregivers

December 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 10, 2010

BrightStar, a full-service home healthcare and medical staffing agency, announced the launch of its ?Hire an Elf? program, designed to reduce the increased emotional and physical stress of caring for aging loved ones and children during the hectic holiday season.

Launching December 9, 2010 and lasting into the first two weeks of the New Year, BrightStar?s Hire an Elf? program can provide the following services to help ease the additional burdens of families taking care of seniors at home, including:

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Marler Clark Attorneys File 5th Cantaloupe Listeria Lawsuit: Family of Maryland Man Killed in Outbreak Sues Cantaloupe Producer, Distributor

October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) October 01, 2011

Marler Clark, the nation?s leading law firm representing victims of foodborne illness, filed a fifth lawsuit [1] Thursday against Jensen Farms and Frontera Produce, the cantaloupe producer and distributor whose Rocky Ford melons have been identified as the source of a deadly Listeria outbreak. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland on behalf of the family of a Maryland man who died after eating Jensen Farms Cantaloupe.

According to the complaint (# 1:11-CV-2810), Clarence Wells consumed cantaloupe on multiple occasions before becoming ill with symptoms of Listeria infection, including fluid retention, on August 23, 2011. By August 25, Mr. Wells had gained 9 pounds and had begun having difficulty breathing. He was taken to the emergency room, and was admitted to John?s Hopkins Medical Center later that day. On the morning of August 31, Mr. Wells? condition deteriorated and his family was called to the hospital, where they found him unconscious. They never spoke to him, or saw him awake, again. Mr. Wells died the evening of August 31, 2011.

?The Wells family story is tragically all too common in this outbreak,? said Listeria attorney William Marler. ?It is very hard to fathom that just by eating cantaloupe, people all across this nation never got to say a proper goodbye to the ones they loved.?

Marler said his firm has been retained by the families of three other people who died after eating contaminated cantaloupe. Marler Clark also represents victims of the outbreak who became ill with Listeria infections and are still hospitalized or have recently returned home from the hospital. The firm has filed lawsuits in Colorado, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Texas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 84 people across the country became ill with Listeria infections after eating contaminated cantaloupe in August and September. At least 15 deaths have been attributed to the consumption of Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms.

?Food manufacturers owe a duty to their customers to sell food that is free of harmful or deadly pathogens. With cantaloupe?s track record, Jensen Farms and Frontera should have known it was a risky food and done more to protect consumers,? Marler concluded.

Marler Clark is the nation?s leading law firm dedicated to representing victims of foodborne illness. The firm?s Listeria attorneys have unrivaled experience and have secured over $ 600,000,000 for their clients, including a recent $ 1.1 million Listeria judgment. This is the fifth Listiera lawsuit filed by Marler Clark in this outbreak. For more information or, if you are a member of the media and would like to view a copy of the complaint, contact Cody Moore at 1-206-407-2200 or cmoore(at)marlerclark(dot)com.

[1] Colorado El Paso County District Court # 2011CV5007; Colorado Arapahoe County District Court # 2011CV1891; Texas Brazoria County District Court #65009; Canadian County District Court #CJ-2011-709.

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Filed Under: Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Educational Forum for Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers

October 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 14, 2006

A Town Hall Forum titled, ?Living with Dementia and Making Each Day Count? is being held Thursday, October 26th, 2006 from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Mission Valley.

This free educational forum for family caregivers will address the issues facing families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer?s Disease. A panel that includes an Internist, Geriatric Psychiatrists, and others who offer practical advice to caregivers on: the importance of nutritional intake, managing medications for quality of life, the benefits of social interactions and stimulation, and setting daily goals and managing changing health conditions.

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Free Educational Forum For Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers; Empowering Your Life as a Caregiver

September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) December 17, 2006

A Town Hall Forum titled “Alzheimer’s in the Family” is being held Thursday, January 25th, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Resort Conference Center in North County.

This free educational forum for family caregivers will address the issues facing a family caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. A panel of experts will discuss various issues facing those assuming the role of the caregiver and the profound impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on the family.

Health Care Group’s ActivCare

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Free Educational Forum For Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) March 18, 2006

A Town Hall Forum titled, ?The Many Facets of Alzheimer?s Disease? is being held Thursday, April 27th, 2006 from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Mission Valley.

This free educational forum for family caregivers will address the issues facing a family caring for a loved one with Alzheimer?s Disease. A panel that includes a Neurologist, Geriatric Psychiatrist, and an Internist will discuss the many facets of Alzheimer?s Disease including an update on Alzheimer?s drugs, managing difficult behavior, and finding a diagnosis and the right physician.

Health Care Group?s ActivCare

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Free Educational Forum for Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers

July 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 7, 2006

A Town Hall Forum titled, ?A Practical Guide for Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer?s Disease? is being held Thursday, July 27th, 2006 from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Lake San Marcos Resort & Country Club in San Marcos.

This free educational forum for family caregivers will address the issues facing families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer?s Disease. A panel that includes a Neurologist, a Doctor of Pharmacology, and others will discuss the many facets of Alzheimer?s Disease including: current Alzheimer?s drugs and their applications, an overview of care options from early to late stages, and information on how to build a network of support.

Health Care Group?s ActivCare

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