PROJECT CARE SERVICE EXPANSION FOR NORTH CAROLINA

GEM TO PRESENT PROGRAM ON THE PROJECT CARE SERVICE EXPANSION FOR NORTH
CAROLINA
Project CARE (Caregivers Alternatives to Running on Empty) is the only
state-funded, dementia-specific support for caregivers who take care of
family members
with Alzheimer's disease. Project CARE is a coordinated delivery system that
is responsive to the needs, values and preferences of families who take care
of family member's with Alzheimer's disease. The Family Consultant for
Eastern North Carolina, Rosalind Pugh will be visiting this region on
January 12th
to explain the expansion and how to use the monies.
GEM's Gail Sonnesso, Excellence in Care Specialist, will discuss other
funding streams available to caregivers of people living with dementia and
other
disabilities.
We will meet Thursday January 12, 2017, 1-3pm at Roosters Southern Kitchen,
Located at 804 S. Croatan Hwy Kill Devil Hills. There is no charge but space
is limited so call Gail @ 252-480-3354 or email
gsonnesso@gmail.com
to register by Monday Jan 9th.

The NC General Assembly in 2014 required the NC Department of Health and
Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services to develop the state's
first
strategic plan addressing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The
Division, in partnership with the NC Institute of Medicine, along with a 47
member
task force, completed a plan in March 2016 entitled "Dementia Capable NC."
The Governor and the NC General Assembly responded favorably to the
recommendation
to expand Project CARE, including offering respite care by appropriating
$550,000 in funding. We invite eligible caregivers and interested parties to
come
to this workshop and learn how to receive vouchers for respite care.
Vouchers can be used to provide in-home respite and/or respite in group
settings,
including Adult Day Care or Adult Day Health Care. Caregivers are reimbursed
as respite care is utilized within the timeframe and amount of the awarded
voucher.
GEM is a community based non-profit serving families caring for a person
living with dementia on the Outer Banks since 1997. Visit our website at
http://www.gemdayservices.org
To register for Rosalind's overview of Project CARE email Gail at
gsonnesso@gmail.com
or call her at 252-480-3354 by Monday Jan 9th.

Dare County Arts Council Unleashes The Power of Art

Dare County Arts Council Unleashes The Power of Art

Dare County Arts Council announces a new program called the Power of Art, serving special groups in need or with limited access to arts programming and education.

Made possible by a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, the Power of Art's objective is to give those with disabilities and difficulties with self-expression the opportunity to create and make critical decisions through unique art programs.

"At the Community Foundation, we are thrilled to support this project because of its ability to use art to reach and empower so many diverse segments of our local population," said Outer Banks Community Foundation Executive Director Lorelei Costa.

The program was designed to utilize the fundamental power of art to create new outlets for the participants' memories, dreams and aspirations. Those interested in becoming involved as a volunteer for the Power of Art program are encouraged to call (252) 473-5558 or email DareArtsPrograms@gmail.com.

"The arts and creative exercises are invaluable tools for self-expression. In many cases, developmental issues and negative experiences have blocked or hindered traditional means of expression. Whether it is an adult with memory loss or a child with a developmental disability, something magical happens when they are creating - they are fully-abled and making critical artistic decisions. This is the Power of Art," said DCAC Programs Director Fay Davis Edwards.

Dare County Arts Council has partnered with local organizations to help meet the identified needs within the community. The initial groups participating in the Power of Art program are GEM Adult Day Services, the SNAP Group, the Monarch Beach Club and Outer Banks Hotline.

Through GEM Adult Day Services' Art in the Park program, DCAC recruited volunteer art instructors to work with adults with memory loss on activities including stained glass and jewelry making. Dare County Arts Council hosts one class per week for GEM Adult Day Services at various locations.

DCAC developed a series of classes and art experiences for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the local chapter of Special Need Ability Program (SNAP). Initial funding for this pilot program was provided by individual donors and the Pauline Wright Endowment.

DCAC partnered with the Monarch Beach Club to provide art instruction and activities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Once a month Dare County Arts Council hosts a workshop at the Monarch Beach Club.

In March 2016, DCAC hosted a Women's Empowerment Workshop with Outer Banks Hotline. DCAC has also provided art supplies to residents of Hotline's safe house and plans to continue to provide art opportunities to victims of domestic violence and their families.

Dare County Arts Council brings arts expertise, working relationships with art instructors, administrative ability and access to multiple venues for art instruction to the initiative. For more information about the Power of Art program, please call (252) 473-5558.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting the arts in Dare County. DCAC programming is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council. 

 

Christmas cookie decorating ~ GEM Art Class Monday November 28th at the DCAC 1pm -2:30

 

Holiday Celebration on Monday 11/28!

 We will decorate Christmas Cookies, Open some gifts and sing some carols with Angelo.  

We will enjoy Laura’s special cookie decorations and eat some with cocoa!

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

www.gemdayservices.org

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

 

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/

 

 

 

 

 

engaging State and/or Local Communities for Dementia Friendliness

 

Engaging State and/or Local Communities for Dementia Friendliness

Many creative and innovative efforts are underway at local and state community levels aimed at increasing dementia capability and friendliness. Some efforts bring together people with dementia in social settings such as Memory cafes. Other efforts follow a template with technical assistance such as Dementia Friendly America. Some state dementia plan efforts are coalescing communities to action. How are you successfully engaging your community for dementia friendliness?

 

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

http://www.gemdayservices.org

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/

 

 

 

 

 

GEM Lunch and Learn Financial protection

GEM Lunch and Learn
Thursday 11/17 16
Sentara educational suite, Sentara Kitty Hawk
11:30 -1pm
Chad Holloman Vice President / City Executive of the State Employees Credit
Union
GEM's Lunch and Learn Speaker.
A light lunch will be served
No Charge but Registration required
Call Gail Sonnesso at 252-480-3354 to register

Chad Holloman Vice President / City Executive of the State Employees Credit
Union is GEM's next Lunch and Learn Speaker.
He will address what we can do to assist family caregivers in their support
people living with dementia when it comes to personal finances.

For Ann Napoletan, who writes for Caregivers.com, it's all too recognizable.
Her mother had begun suffering from Alzheimer's-related cognitive
impairment, and there came a time when Ann began to suspect her mother was
having trouble managing her finances.

"It was when she asked me to help with her taxes that I noticed the checking
account was a mess. There had been overdrafts, late payments, duplicate
payments and checks written to every charity that knocked on her door,
called, or mailed her anything (including one we later discovered was
fraudulent)." According to the Journal of the American Medical Association,
the ability to manage finances is one of the first activities of daily life
to decline in those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's.
http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-02-18memory-loss-retirement-savings/
Join us for a light lunch on Thursday and learn what we can do to avoid some
of the pitfalls. Please RSVP so that we will be sure to have ample amount of
lunches.

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS
AFA Excellence in Care Specialist
GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.
252-480-3354
www.gemdayservices.org

Lunch and Learn Finances and Dementia

Thursday 11 17 16 at 11:30

Sentara Educational Suite Kitty Hawk.

Chad Holloman Vice President / City Executive of the State Employees Credit Union is GEM’s next Lunch and Learn Speaker.

He will address what we can do to assist family caregivers in their support people living with dementia when it comes to personal finances.

 

For Ann Napoletan, who writes for Caregivers.com, it’s all too recognizable. Her mother had begun suffering from Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment, and there came a time when Ann began to suspect her mother was having trouble managing her finances.

 

“It was when she asked me to help with her taxes that I noticed the checking account was a mess. There had been overdrafts, late payments, duplicate payments and checks written to every charity that knocked on her door, called, or mailed her anything (including one we later discovered was fraudulent).” According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the ability to manage finances is one of the first activities of daily life to decline in those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s.

http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-02-18memory-loss-retirement-savings/

Join us for a light lunch on Thursday and learn what we can do to avoid some of the pitfalls. Please RSVP so that we will be sure to have ample amount of lunches.

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

earn four, five, six or more streams of income promoting just this

Learn how technology can work for you as your best employee can help you
live a life of prosperity unlike most others will ever
enjoy and how to earn four, five, six or more streams of income promoting
just this
one single no cost ever join program.
Tap or Click here www.asonnesso.InvitationToJoin.com

Harmony Cafe Tomorrow 11/5 at 11am @ Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church

 

Hello Friends,

 

We are pleased to announce that Harmony Café is tomorrow and we would love to see you!

Ö       We have a great craft designed and supplied by Cathy Pfendler- a basket of zinnias  a holiday centerpiece.

Ö       Lola Hilton will be visiting with “Buddy” a fully trained Therapy dog.”

Ö       Our Chair  Exercise class will be led by Nancy Byrne.  

Ö       Our co-hosts are the wonderful folks from Outer Banks Presbyterian Church and they are bringing a wonderful lunch

Ö       Shirley Fisher has made brownies

Ö       Last but not least Angelo will be leading a sing-a-long

 

GEM friends and participants are very grateful for these wonderful people that make this program possible!

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

 

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

60% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

 

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/

 

 

 

 

 

We will make Healing Quilt cards with Laura Howard for GEM's First art class of the Series

 

Join us at the Dare County Center

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

60% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

 

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/

 

 

 

 

 

Harmony Café

Friends,
We are providing our next Harmony Café on Saturday Nov. 5th , from 11am-2pm
at Kitty Hawk United Church and our co-host is Outer Banks Presbyterian
Church. GEM volunteers will be there and provide the craft materials and
assist when needed.
The program will include:
a craft
chair exercise
lunch
live entertainment
We will also celebrate November Birthdays! Please let us know who we might
help celebrate their birthday.

Harmony Café is open to all and we welcome first time volunteers!
We look forward to seeing you and enjoying the fellowship.
If you have any questions please either call [252-480-3354] or respond to
this email.

Sincerely,
Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS
AFA Excellence in Care Specialist
GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.
252-480-3354
www.gemdayservices.org
60% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!
https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/

CARPE DM Dance Marathon is now live on AllEvents.in

 

From: All Events in City [mailto:contact@allevents.in]
Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2016 9:27 PM
To: gsonnesso@gmail.com
Subject: CARPE DM Dance Marathon is now live on AllEvents.in

 

Hi, We are super glad to share with you that your event CARPE DM Dance Marathon is now listed among the best events on allevents.in. Below are details of your event that have been shared with us by one of your happy attendees:   CARPE DM Dance Marathon       19 Nov     Time : Sat Nov 19 2016 at 11:00 am   Venue : Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern, 2316 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, United States     We advise you to have a look at the event page and ensure that all the provided information is correct. You can edit your event using this link. Being World's largest network of Event Explorers, best of the event organizers consider "All Events in City" as their preferred channel to run Event Specific Ad Campaigns & reach out to a larger audience. It takes just 30 seconds to get your Ad Campaigns started. Choose your target city and start the campaign. Click Here to Get Started. We hope that you have a smooth experience using "All Events in City". In case of any problems/queries, please check out our FAQs or email us at contact@allevents.in. Happy to help, Manoj Yadav Customer Happiness Manager http://allevents.in PS: If the event was intended to be private and not supposed to be shared to the public, you can report it by hitting this link. We will remove it within 24 hours.         Event Discovery App   Build your follower base on All Events in City. When you create a new event, all your followers get instant notification about your event.       About us Blog Terms of Service Careers Contact us   Facebook Twitter Google+   Block future communication regarding your events

[CARPE DM Dance Marathon] We liked this post by Laura Howard that we're...

From: The Gem Center [mailto:notification+zrdzv1oedlez@facebookmail.com]
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 5:05 PM
To: CARPE DM Dance Marathon
Subject: [CARPE DM Dance Marathon] We liked this post by Laura Howard that we're...

 

The Gem Center posted in CARPE DM Dance Marathon .       The Gem Center September 26 at 5:04pm   We liked this post by Laura Howard that we're sharing it here too! ~ Calling all DANCERS.. we are looking for teams, could be two of you, could be 10 that share time dancing! ~ You could dance for 45 mins once, or for shifts of 15 mins for hours.. but this AWESOME CAUSE needs some heroes... OBX is gorgeous in November! ~ Don't / can't / won't dance? Donate/ Attend/ Support.. We need you! Adults with Cognitive Impairment need your support to find a facility for US ( Me and several amazing, giving artists, and generous, caring citizens for whom this is a passion) to serve them with day programming , socialization and FUN! ~ Help however you can, PLEASE!!! Do it in honor of someone you love, or knew who struggled with Alzheimers, Head Injury, or any kind of Cognitive Impairment.... <3 SERVICE IS LOVE IN ACTION <3   Like Comment Share               Facebook             The Gem Center posted in CARPE DM Dance Marathon.       The Gem Center September 26 at 5:04pm   We liked this post by Laura Howard that we're sharing it here too! ~ Calling all DANCERS.. we are looking for teams, could be two of you, could be 10 that share time dancing! ~ You could dance for 45 mins once, or for shifts of 15 mins for hours.. but this AWESOME CAUSE needs some heroes... OBX is gorgeous in November! ~ Don't / can't / won't dance? Donate/ Attend/ Support.. We need you! Adults with Cognitive Impairment need your support to find a facility for US ( Me and several amazing, giving artists, and generous, caring citizens for whom this is a passion) to serve them with day programming , socialization and FUN! ~ Help however you can, PLEASE!!! Do it in honor of someone you love, or knew who struggled with Alzheimers, Head Injury, or any kind of Cognitive Impairment.... <3 SERVICE IS LOVE IN ACTION <3     Like Comment Share                 View on Facebook       Edit Email Settings             Reply to this email to comment on this post.             This message was sent to asonnesso@gmail.com. If you don't want to receive these emails from Facebook in the future, please unsubscribe. Facebook, Inc., Attention: Community Support, Menlo Park, CA 94025

 

Caring with love and expertise

Caring with love and expertise

Gail Sonnesso, graduated from East Carolina University in 1996 with a MS in
Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation. Her undergraduate
degree is a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology. In 2015 she
completed a program in Geriatric Care Management at UF Gainesville.
Gail's career working with older adults began in 1985. Employed in a 900-bed
nursing home Gail's responsibilities included providing therapeutic
recreation for 80-residents.
Volunteer experiences include working in a physical therapy department, and
working with the occupational therapy staff to provide care for severely
mentally ill patients in a long term psychiatric hospital.
Gail is the founder and executive director of GEM Day Services, Inc. a
non-profit organization providing memory care, education and support for
the OBX community. Gail founded the Outer Banks Caregivers Support Group in
1997 and has developed and teaches "Caring Effectively" a class that offers
effective person centered living that enhances caring for a person with
dementia.
Gail is the President of the Nags Head Lions Club, Board Member of the
Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks, Dementia Task Force, Co-Host of the
international "Arts and Dementia workgroup", member of The Elder Abuse
Collaborative and a former member of the Dare County Nursing Home Advisory
Board, Founder of the North East NC Respite Coalition, Art at the Park and
Caring TEENS.
Gail E. Sonnesso, MS
Excellence in Care Specialist

College of the Albemarle
LEARN to Care for a Person with living with Alzheimers Disease
with Love and Expertise!


Gentle Expert Memorycare
October 2016
Fridays from 1-4pm


GEM Day Services, Inc., is a non-profit organization providing dementia
care, education and support within the OBX community for over 20 years
presents a 4 week class "Caring Effectively and with Love" for a person
living with dementia. Designed for family caregivers as well as healthcare
professionals, the course has been well received within the Alzheimer
research community.
Lisa P. Gwyther, education director for the Bryan Alzheimer's Disease
Research Center at Duke University has praised the "Caring Effectively"
curriculum, calling the series of classes "rich, practical
and comprehensive."
Each session will address a specific aspect of providing effective care for
people who are living with dementia. Topics include understanding the
progression of the disease, how to communicate effectively at each stage of
the disease, examples of guidelines to provide successful
person centered living! Connections to supports and services.

Learn to care with love and expertise!"
What is this Dementia? It is not a normal part of aging! It is a disease!
Class One
Skill Building How to Communicate Class
Two
Ways of Helping Visual Cues * Verbal Cues * Tactile cues
& Progression ... Class Three
Meaningful Days Learn to direct "the flow" Class Four

Connect with People ~ Turning Knowledge into Skills
Practicum
GEM Adult Day Services, Inc.
PO BOX 3601
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
252.480.3354
gsonnesso@gmail.com
www.gemdayservices.org
For more info about the Class contact:
Registration /information
Sign up for:
Caring Effectively

Name
Address
Phone

I am interested in respite care for my family member
To Register call 252-473-2264 ext. 7033, in person here, or on line by
going to albemarle.edu and clicking the link to job training.
Roanoke Island Campus, across from Island Pharmacy Manteo , NC

To Register of for more information call COA at 252-473-2264 ext.
7033 to register
I Am interested in a scholarship
Successful completion of this class entitles you to 12.0 CEU's in Effective
Dementia Care recognized by NC Dept. of Health & Human Services Adult Care
Licensure Section.
"You help me be who I am supposed to be!" Vernon, GEM participant

What will You Learn ?

We have
Treatment
SERVICES
SUPPORTS
And
A caring community
Join us to learn more about the path to solutions!

Complimentary Memory Screening

For Immediate Release

Complimentary Memory Screening
Date: 10/6/16

Time: 1:30 -3pm

Where: Community Care clinic of Dare, Health Center Drive, down from Nags Head Ace Hardware and across from the nursing home

Provided by: GEM Adult Day Services, Inc.

PH: 252-480-3354

 

WHY ARE MEMORY SCREENINGS IMPORTANT?

 

Did you know that Memory Screenings are the first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s or other medical conditions and some are reversible. A screening is also a great time to use the screening results as a baseline to your medical records

While a memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other health care professional, it is very helpful. A screening can check a person’s memory and other thinking skills. A screening can indicate if someone might benefit from a more complete medical visit.
GEM will also provide print information on the next steps and connections to services and supports.

 

To register of for more information call or email Gail Sonnesso at 252-480-3354 or gsonnesso@gmail.com to register for a complimentary screening.

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

60% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

 

GEM LUNCH & LEARN Thursday 9 15 16.docx

 

Dear GEM friends,

 

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday at 11:30 to learn more about respite and how this service can help you and your family.

 

GEM Lunch & Learn
Topic: What is Respite and how do I go to get it?

Date: Thursday September 15^th 2016
Time: 11:30 -1pm
Where: Sentara Education Suite, 5200 Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk

 

What is Respite?

 

Respite offers “relief from the caregiving role” and is very hard to come by if you are caring for a loved one living with dementia. Join us for a complimentary light lunch and learn more about respite from Gail Sonnesso, MS, GEM Executive Director. Topics will include what exactly is respite and to how to access this valuable service.

There is no charge but registration is required. Call Gail Sonnesso & 252-480-3354 for more information and to register.

 

 

Gail E. Sonnesso, MS, QDCS

AFA Excellence in Care Specialist

GEM DAY SERVICES, INC.

252-480-3354

www.gemdayservices.org

70% of people living with dementia are cared for at home!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGemCenter

 

https://www.facebook.com/obxTheRiffTides/