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Care and Coping; Annual aging series builds off Oscar attention to offer support, resources

Andover Townsman (MA) - 3/27/2015

March 25--The most important series offered every year at The Center at Punchard -- about caregiving -- is about to start and includes an Oscar angle for the first time.

Hollywood actress Julianne Moore won the Academy Award this year for her role in "Still Alice" as Dr. Alice Howland, a professor of linguistics, wife and mother of three who learns that she is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. The movie is based on the book by the same name.

Kathy Urquhart, director of elder services for Andover, read the book years ago and was personally touched by its message. She has been recommending it ever since and will lead a book discussion group as part of the upcoming caregiving series in hopes of opening up the discussion to others in the community.

"It's a wonderful book that quickly gets to the heart of the issue," Urquhart said. "Living with Alzheimer's is very real and it's a good story to talk about for those who are the caregivers."

As the number of people who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's continues to rise, Urquhart said the book shares one family's story that can help others.

"The numbers are staggering. We believe that a heightened awareness will get people to get an early diagnosis and get them to start treatment fast," Urquhart said.

The disease is sure to affect many local families as one-third of Andover residents are over the age of 50. However, many people aren't aware of the resources available at The Center and locally to help them once a crisis has hit. That's what the caregiving series hopes to address.

The book discussion is just one of several events planned next month as a cross-section of local professionals are coming together to talk about caregiving. The programs are designed both for baby boomers who are sandwiched between caring for parents and juggling the responsibilities of work and raising a family, and seniors who are now facing, or may eventually face, their own health issues.

"Our series provides much-needed practical information on topics such as the nature of dementia; how, when and where to find services, how to navigate the health-care system to find the care that is needed and how to care for one's self in the midst of the stress they are under, sometimes for years at a time," Karen Payne-Taylor, program coordinator at The Center at Punchard said in a release.

"Experience has shown us that people don't seek out services until they are in crisis. The series gets the word out about services that can help."

Among those services is The Center at Punchard's "Senior Connections" supportive day program, which provides activities and an outlet for seniors, while allowing caregivers needing respite and a little personal and recreational time.

Local estate planning attorney and former School Committee member Debra Silberstein kicks off the series in an event co-sponsored with Memorial Hall Library in Andover.

She said the mid-50s is a good age for people to start talking to elderly parents about caregiving options.

"It's really never too early ... (to) talk about what they want," Silberstein said.

COPING WITH CAREGIVING

THURSDAY, APRIL 2: Navigating the Legal Aspect of Caregiving with estate planning attorney and former School Committee member Debra Silberstein, 7 p.m., Memorial Hall Library, 2 North Main St., Andover. She will discuss legal documents, including Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney, community resources to help elders and their families, and senior housing. Co-sponsored with Memorial Hall Library. Free.

THURSDAYS, APRIL 9 TO MAY 7: Weekly discussion series featuring light supper at 6:30 p.m., presentations at 7 p.m., The Center at Punchard, 30 Whittier Court, Andover. The series cost is $20. The schedule is:

April 9: What Next? Options After the Call, presented by Dina Finos of Wingate Healthcare. The talk will explore the many stages of care that must be understood and acted upon while caring for loved ones, whether they are experiencing a sudden crisis or gradual decline.

April 16: Practical Tips for Caregivers, presented by Tricia Horgan of Atria Marland Place. Learn some proven tips to manage day-to-day aspects of caregiving.

April 23: Caring for The Caregiver, presented by Martha Cashin, owner of Home Instead Home Health Care. The talk will stress the essentials of nutrition, exercise and rest for caregivers.

April 30: Meet The Staff: Senior staff members of The Center at Punchard will present an overview of available support services and community-based resources. Refreshments will be provided by Under My Roof in Home Care.

May 7: "Still Alice" book discussion led by Director of Elder Services Kathy Urquhart. Copies of the book will be available to check out from The Center the first week in April. A library card is required.

Registration and payment are required for all events. Register online at www.myactivecenter.com or call The Center at Punchard at 978-623-8321.

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