Fw: Lunch with the Stars was enjoyed by all

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Gail E Sonnesso

To: 'Jean Basnight'

Cc: 'Catherine Pfendler' ; 'Vincent (gmail)' ; Michael@thelostcolony.org ; 'Alex Hatcher' ; nancy@obxcommongood.org ; 'Nancy Kosanovich'

Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:00 PM

Subject: Lunch with the Stars was enjoyed by all

Hi,

I am writing to thank all who contributed today! We had a wonderful time and to quote one participants son  "mom loved it especially the old songs!"

The dining room of the Dare County Center was filled with energy today as the Lost Colony Players sat with the seniors. We learned where people were born – one in India and more than a few right here in Manteo, one said they were born at home on the kitchen table.

"Caring Teens" greeted the Stars and took their job seriously as they offered  sandwich options  and made sure each person got their choice.

The music was beyond wonderful as we enjoyed a mix of old and new, with more than a few visitors to the Dare County Center peeking in to hear the music.

Alex and Brook of the Dare Center spent lunch time taking pictures of the "Stars" with participants. After the performance and the seniors assisted by GEM's Caring Teens and board member's made origami picture frames to showcase their pictures.

We especially want to thank the Lost Colony as the tension was high as Kiran (age 12)  drew tickets  to the Lost Colony evening performance out of a basket. The two winners were elated.

Clara Meekins' lemonade cake was delicious and thanks  to Harris Teeter and Nancy Kosanovich  we enjoyed our lunch of Turkey, Ham and Veggie Subs. We also want to like the DCC for making extra tea for us.

Thanks to everyone who made  this day memorable for all of us!

Sincerely,

Gail E Sonnesso M.S.

Executive Director

The GEM Center, Inc.

Where Group Respite is Therapeutic for both our Participants, and their Families.

(252) 480-3354

http://www.thegemcenter.org

 

.

Value of Family Care givers Alzheimer's Foundation of America e-Newsletter July 21, 2011

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Gail E Sonnesso

To: 'Angelo Sonnesso'

Cc: 'OBX KAYE' ; 'Gail E Sonnesso'

Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:24 PM

Subject: Value of Family Care givers Alzheimer's Foundation of America e-Newsletter July 21, 2011

  FYI,

 

Gail E Sonnesso M.S.

Executive Director

The GEM Center, Inc.

Where Group Respite is Therapeutic for both our Participants, and their Families.

(252) 480-3354

http://www.thegemcenter.org

 

 

 

Family caregivers provided an estimated and unprecedented $450 billion in care in 2009, up from $375 billion two years earlier, according to AARP's recent report, "Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update, The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving."

     The data also showed that the number of Americans aged 18 and older providing care at any given point in time to an adult with limitations in daily activities rose 23 percent to 42.1 million, and they spent an average of 18.4 hours per week on caregiving responsibilities. Alzheimer's disease is among the illness that impact activities of daily living, such as dressing and eating. About 61.6 million Americans provided care at some time during the year.

     The study also found that females represent 65 percent of caregivers, and more than eight in 10 are caring for a relative or friend aged 50 or older, including providing companionship and emotional support, helping with meal preparation and other household tasks, handling bills and insurance claims, and carrying out personal care, such as bathing and dressing.

   "Family support is a key driver in remaining in one's home and in the community, but it is not without substantial costs to the caregivers themselves, to their families, and to society. The 2009 estimate of the value of family caregiving is conservative because it does not quantify the physical, emotional and financial costs of care," the report said.

     Among AARP's recommendations are:

1.   to implement "family-friendly" workplace policies that include flextime and telecommuting,

2.   referral to supportive services in the community,

3.   and caregiver support programs in the workplace;

4.   to provide adequate funding for respite programs *like the Lifespan Respite Care Act;

5.   to encourage nurses, social workers and other health professionals to integrate family caregivers into the care team;

6.   and to develop tools that provide greater support to family caregivers.

 

*In NC Lifespan Respite has gone the route of "Volunteers to provide Care giver respite" Which for the most part leaves care givers of people with dementia out in the cold.

Fw: Class at the College of the Albemarle Manteo Campus September 7 - October 12 from 6-8pm

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Gail E Sonnesso

To: 'Gail E Sonnesso'

Cc: 'Angelo Sonnesso'

Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 2:24 PM

Subject: Class at the College of the Albemarle Manteo Campus September 7 - October 12 from 6-8pm

 

Hi,

You or someone you know who can benefit from this class, please help me get the word out.

 

Caring Effectively (12 hrs) NEW CLASS!! This course covers the psychological, social, and physical aspects of aging. Emphasis is placed on the factors that promote mental and physical well-being. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize the aging process and all its aspects.

9/7-10/12 W6PM-8PM $65 Instructor: G Sonnesso CE118

Thank you,

 

Gail E Sonnesso M.S. QDCP

Executive Director

The GEM Center, Inc.

Where Group Respite is Therapeutic for both our Participants, and their Families.

(252) 480-3354

http://www.thegemcenter.org