Author Archives: GWFadmin

Why are nursing homes drugging dementia patients without their consent?

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 By Hannah Flamm

August 10, 2018

Now more than ever it is important that we keep watch of our elderly; but also keep watch of those caring for them. It is sad to see homes resorting to these irresponsible action that effect more than just the patient. Hopefully more reports like this will lift the veil and action will be taken accordingly. – GWF

The following is an excerpt from a Washington Post article by Hannah Flamm, with a link to the full article:

It helps control the residents, and institutions are rarely punished.

A year and a half ago in a Texas nursing home, I met an 84-year-old resident with dementia named Felipa Natividad. Her sister, Aurora Suarez, told me that the staff dosed Natividad with Haldol, an antipsychotic drug, to ease the burden of bathing her. “They give my sister medication to sedate her on the days of her shower: Monday, Wednesday, Friday,” Suarez said. “They give her so much she sleeps through the lunch hour and supper.” A review of Natividad’s medical chart confirmed the schedule.

Suarez said she had given her consent to use the drugs because she feared that the staff would not bathe her sister enough if she refused. But when Suarez saw the effect they had, she had second thoughts. She expressed them to the nursing home, but Natividad was taken off the antipsychotics only after she was placed in hospice care. She died a few months after my interview. Her family, seeing her in a reduced state and unable to communicate, wondered whether the drugs had compounded the losses associated with dementia; Suarez thought they… [Continue to full article]

Fall Prevention Tips

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Every year, millions of people fall and cause injury to themselves.  For the person living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, the risk of falling increases as the disease progresses.   Depth perception, vision problems, and loss of balance and coordination are contributing factors.  A study from the medical journal of Age and Ageing, found that those living with Alzheimer’s are three times more likely to suffer hip fractures from a fall.   According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of five falls can cause broken bones or a head injury.  Head injuries can be extremely serious, especially if the person is taking blood thinners or other medications.  Additional medications, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants, as well as some over-the-counter medications can also affect balance and increase the risk of falling.

There are steps you can take create a safe home environment for your loved one.  One of the best guides I have come across is the Fall Prevention Guide from Right at Home.  This guide outlines risk factors and preventive steps for each room in your home.   This guide is applicable for everyone, not just those living with Alzheimer’s.  Please click on the guide and feel free to share this information with your family and friends.

Fall Prevention Guide_Right at Home

3rd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic

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The 3rd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic will be held on Monday, November 13, at the Hearthstone Country Club in Houston.   It’s a great opportunity to spend the day with friends and meet new people, all while making a difference in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Check-in opens at 11:00 a.m. and golfers will receive a box lunch and have access to the practice green.  The tournament is a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.  At the conclusion of the tournament, participants are treated to dinner, the awards ceremony, and an update from the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care.  You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to bid on wonderful silent auction items and purchase tickets for the raffle drawing.

After coming through Hurricane Harvey, it was important for us to focus this year’s tournament towards those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia that may be experiencing financial hardship. Therefore, we are excited to announce that proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated to the scholarship program at Amazing Place. Located in Houston, Amazing Place is a state-of-the-art daytime wellness center designed for those with mild to moderate memory loss.  Please click on the following link to learn more about how Amazing Place is making a difference in lives of those living with memory loss:  Amazing Place Video

You won’t want to miss being part of the excitement!  Even if you don’t play golf or live in Houston, you can be part of this event through hole sponsorship, the Honor Green, or joining us for dinner.  For complete details please download the tournament brochure:  3rd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic Brochure 

Registration and sponsorship commitments can be mailed to the Gayle Wells Foundation by downloading the above brochure, or you can also register online as well.  If you register online, we will contact you to obtain the names of your teams members, name for sponsorship, and Honor Green signs.  Please click on the following link to access online registration:  Online Registration for 3rd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic

We are also holding a product donation drive on the day of the tournament for products specific to individuals living with Alzheimer’s & dementia.  Click on the Forget-Me-Not Donation Day Flyer below for complete details, including a list of items being accepted.  Please share this flyer with your families, friends, neighbors, and communities.  Forget-Me-Not Donation Day Flyer

We are the only golf tournament in Houston supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Join us in our efforts to make a difference in their lives.

2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic – A Day to Remember

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The 2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic was a day to remember.  Thirty-one (31) golfers came together for a fun-filled day of golf, friendship, and community.  However, it may be most memorable as it was the hottest September 19th in the history of Houston!   Special thanks to all who braved the heat and came out to play.  It is with great pleasure that we announce the winners of the 2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic:

  • 1st Place: Todd Ziegler, Rick Gibson & Gary Morris
  • 2nd Place: John Katzmarek, Rick Walsh, Jim Rutan & John Storm
  • 3rd Place: Andy Bradley, Woody Nay, Scott Washburn & Royce Molitor

Contest winners included:

  • Closest to the Hole: Royce Molitor and Deb Snyder
  • Longest Drive: Scott Sutherland and Diane McDonald
  • Best Dressed:  Patricia Bazely

In addition to the golfers listed above, heartfelt gratitude to those that played in the tournament:  O.C. Castillo, Gary Dean, Sharon Dott, Warren Emerson, Mitch Fralick, Veronica Gomez, Carol Greenburg, Andy Hoggatt, Eva Lee, Kay Metcalf, Beverly Poole, Bill Schmid, Trish Schmid, Todd Wagoner, Martha Watson, and Rock Wilkinson.

Laura Sutherland, Founder & Executive Director of the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care, unveiled drawings for a mobile bus that will enable the Gayle Wells Foundation to take programs, services, and education into the community. Todd Wagoner, Geriatric Social Worker with Touchpoint Health Aging Transition Services (Noblesville, IN) offered a clinician’s perspective on the positive impact these mobile services can have on both individuals and families experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia in general. Equally, Todd shared how this can create opportunities to partner with agencies and practices in the Houston area.  Scott Sutherland, Associate Pastor of Children’s Ministries, Grace Church (Noblesville, IN) closed by reiterating that this vision can be possible when we form together as a community.  We were surrounded by a wonderful community at this event and we are grateful for the support and encouragement as we move forward with this exciting initiative!

The 2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors:  AIM Custom Media, Pat Anderson, April & Andy Bradley, Belmont Village of West University, Fila-Mar Energy Services, Fine Promotions, Freeman, Nicole Goldman, Paige Goodwin, Greenway Animal Clinic, Patti Hanson, Sheilah Hart, Andy & Tammy Hoggatt, Stewart Jacobson, Dawn & Jimmy Jamail, Dot Lovett, Melinda Matson, Kay Metcalf, National Business Education Association, Jim Phillips, Reibenstein & Associates, Ginny Richerson, Trish & Bill Schmid, Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, Lucy Simonton, Dawn Eckerty-Spencer, Kaye Stripling, Scott & Emily Sutherland, Janet Treichel, Scott Washburn & Keller Williams Realty, Shelley Washburn, Ann Webb, and Paul & Sandy Wells.

Special thanks goes to those that assisted with on-site management of the event:  April & Andy Bradley, Andy & Tammy Hoggatt, Nancy Kaney, Melinda Matson, Scott & Emily Sutherland, Jan Treichel, Todd & Wendy Wagoner, and Todd Wagner, Giselle Arton and the team at Hearthstone Country Club.

2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic

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Join us on Monday, September 19, for the 2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic.  The event will be held at Hearthstone Country Club in Houston.  This is a great opportunity to have fun and support the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care.  Proceeds from the tournament will go towards the fundraising goal for the mobile bus, which will allow the Gayle Wells Foundation to take education, awareness, programs, and support into the community and work directly with those living with memory conditions, as well as their caregivers and families.

Registration for golfers begins at 11:00 a.m. The range will be open and box lunches will be served.  The tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start.  At the conclusion of the tournament, the awards ceremony will take place, followed by dinner, a silent auction, and raffle.

You can still be part of this event, even if you don’t play golf or live in the Houston area.  Sponsorship opportunities include:  Hole-In-One Sponsor ($500); Beverage Cart Sponsor ($300); Contest Sponsorship ($250); Hole Sponsorship ($100), and the Honor Green($50).  The Honor Green is to pay tribute and recognize loved ones that are living with a memory condition or who have passed away from a memory condition.  Complete details on sponsorships, as well as the tournament, are available through the online registration link, as well as the brochure, which are available below.

Online Registration & Sponsorships 

Brochure_2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic  – If you wish to pay by check for your golf team, please print the brochure and mail back to the address listed.

Hole Sponsorship & Honor Green Form – If you wish to pay by check for your sponsorship or Honor Green sign, you can complete this form and mail back to the address listed.

For golfers, please direct questions to Andy Bradley (a2bradley@comcast.net or 713-858-4153).  For all other inquiries, please contact Laura Sutherland (laura@gaylewells.org or 832-470-9526).  We thank you for your support of this event!

Mobile Bus to Bring Education & Awareness for Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Memory Conditions

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The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) is launching a new initiative in the delivery of education and services. Fundraising has begun to purchase a mobile bus to bring education, awareness, support, and services directly into the community, not only for those impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease, but all memory conditions.  This will allow us to remove boundaries to service, thereby reaching those in metropolitan and rural areas, as well as individuals from all cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Services to be provided on the bus will include: education, awareness, private consultations, support groups, caregiver respite, peer-to-peer support, and referrals to memory care resources in the community.  It is the goal of the GWF to have the bus operational by September 2017.  In the meantime, the GWF can still assist in providing these services to individuals and organizations.

Upon receiving a diagnosis of a degenerative memory condition, individuals and families are often left with many questions on what to expect and where to get help. A goal of the GWF is to become a care pathway, by which individuals and families will have access to a more streamlined approach in obtaining proper medical care, information, resources, support, and programs.  The GWF will be a leader of social change in the understanding, treatment, services, and care for individuals with memory conditions and their families.

“When a loved one is battling Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of degenerative memory condition, there are countless decisions to be made, and the stress of caregiving is immense. Resources are available, but finding that information is often difficult and fragmented.  By bringing information and resources into the community, it is our hope to provide guidance and support to individuals and families.  They are not alone on this journey and we are committed to the care and protection of all impacted by memory conditions.” says Laura Sutherland, founder and executive director of the GWF and care partner to Gayle.

Gayle Wells was a native Houstonian. After surviving three separate cancers within four years, and experiencing memory problems that did not improve, Gayle was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009.  It became evident after her diagnosis, that there was very little information available as to the progression of the disease, as well as minimal programs and services for those with early onset Alzheimer’s.  Gayle died from early onset Alzheimer’s disease in September 2011.

The first event being held to raise monies for the bus is the 2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Golf Classic.  The tournament will be held on Monday, September 19, at Hearthstone Country Club, in Houston.  Individuals and companies can be involved with this event through playing golf, becoming a hole sponsor, and purchasing an Honor/Memory sign for their loved ones.  Complete details on the tournament, as well as online registration for all aspects of the tournament, can be found at www.gaylewells.org/events.

For more information, please contact:

Laura Sutherland, LMSW
Founder & Executive Director
832-470-9526
laura@gaylewells.org

Join Us and Learn About the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care

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Get acquainted with the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care!  Alzheimer’s disease is often thought to only impact older adults however, early onset Alzheimer’s disease impacts people under the age of 65, with symptoms beginning in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Join us at one of the following locations to learn about our non-profit organization that is focused on providing programs, education, resources, and training for everyone impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  **Light food and beverage will be provided at each event.

Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Montrose Center
401 Branard (Room 114)

Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant
19820 Northwest Freeway

Thursday May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant
21875 Katy Freeway

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Guad (Texas Chef-Mex)
2925 Southwest Freeway (Between Buffalo Speedway & Kirby)

Press Release Announcing the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care

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FOR RELEASE ON APRIL 14, 2016

Launch of New Non-Profit Focused on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

HOUSTON, Texas—The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) has been established to improve the lives of all impacted by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Our mission is to provide programs, education, resources, and training for patients, caregivers, families, employers, and healthcare professionals.  The GWF does not direct funding towards Alzheimer’s research, as all efforts and funding are focused on programs, services, and support for individuals and families affected by early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is often thought to only impact older adults, however, early onset Alzheimer’s disease impacts people under the age of 65, with symptoms beginning in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. These individuals face many obstacles such as difficulty in receiving a diagnosis; loss of income, work roles, and related benefits during prime working years; many are still raising their families and their children (under the age of 18) assume many of the caregiving responsibilities; they are not eligible for services from Medicare or the Administration on Aging as they are under 60 years of age; and they face challenges finding age-appropriate programs, services, and long-term care placement.

The GWF will work to become the care pathway for early onset Alzheimer’s disease in the greater Houston area. Through this care pathway, individuals and families would have access to a more streamlined approach in obtaining proper medical care, information, resources, support, and programs.  The GWF would be a leader of social change in the understanding, treatment, services, and care for the individual with early onset Alzheimer’s, as well as the family unit that is also impacted by the disease.

Gayle Wells was a native Houstonian. After surviving three separate cancers within four years, and experiencing memory problems that did not improve, Gayle was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009.  It became evident after her diagnosis, that there was very little information available as to the progression of the disease, as well as minimal programs and services.  Gayle died from early onset Alzheimer’s disease in September 2011.

“Love is the cornerstone through which the Gayle Wells Foundation was created. No one will be denied services and we will provide consistent support and reassurance as we walk this journey with those impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s.  With programs, services, love, and care, we believe that one’s spirit can still shine through despite the hardship of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” says Laura Sutherland, founder and executive director of the GWF and care partner to Gayle.

In an effort to bring awareness about the GWF to the community, “Get Acquainted” sessions will be held in various locations throughout the greater Houston area. Currently, the following sessions have been scheduled (light food and beverage will be provided at each session):

Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard (Room 114)

Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 19820 Northwest Freeway

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 21875 Katy Freeway

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Guad (Texas Chef-Mex), 2925 Southwest Freeway

CONTACT:
Laura Sutherland, LMSW
Founder & Executive Director
832-470-9526
laura@gaylewells.org

Thank You Nancy Reagan

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The Reagans | Nancy ReaganIt has taken me a few days to gather my thoughts since learning on Sunday about the death of Nancy Reagan.  When I learned of her passing, I had the sensation of being caught in a vortex that gathered me up and dropped me back into 1994…driving in my car and hearing the news report on the radio that President Reagan had announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  In the news report, the announcers shared the grim reality that this diagnosis brings…no treatment…no cure…and the painful and slow progress of this insidious disease.

In 1994, I didn’t know anyone that had ever suffered from Alzheimer’s disease—cancer was the disease that had taken many of my family members and dear friends. But as I continued to listen to the news broadcast about President Reagan’s diagnosis, a bone-chilling fear came over me and I asked God to please not let anyone I love get this disease.  Fifteen years later, it became obvious that God had other plans for my life when He dropped me right into the middle of the Alzheimer’s arena.

As I processed this memory and reflected on the legacy of Nancy Reagan, I was once again reminded of how incredibly special this lady was. She lived her life with passion, dedication, and conviction…as First Lady of the United States, as an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, treatment and research, and as the love and protector of her beloved, Ronnie.

I thank the Reagan’s for the courage and strength they demonstrated in going public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I thank Nancy Reagan for demonstrating what it means to be a tireless advocate and protector for our loved ones that have been diagnosed with this disease.  I admire her conviction in advocating for Alzheimer’s treatments and research that fall outside the lines of what is “acceptable” to a political party.  She was a pioneer in bringing awareness to a disease that still carries stigma and is shrouded in misunderstanding.

The life of Nancy Reagan has left an indelible imprint on my heart, as well as the hearts of millions of people. May be we all take comfort in knowing that she and her beloved Ronnie are together again.

The Power of Love

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Hearts & Love

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

On this Valentine’s Day, you may be celebrating or you may be experiencing bittersweet, and possibly painful, memories of what ‘used to be’ on Valentine’s Day. I have been the giver and receiver of red roses, chocolates, and dinners, and I have fond memories of how special all of it was.  And while we each have our own definition of love and ways of expressing it to those around us, I would like to share my thoughts about love through my journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Love extends beyond the memories contained in one’s mind. Love comes from the heart and it is the most powerful tool of communication.  However, when faced with a disease that robs our loved ones of their memories, thoughts, and the ability to verbally communicate, it is easy to be consumed with what is lost.  We may find that we are quick to anger and lose patience, but this comes as a result of getting caught up in the shadows of fear.  Make a point to let the light of love into each day.  You may be surprised at the gifts that will come from the love you share.

Make a conscious effort to communicate love through the simplest of ways. A hug each day…saying “I love you”…providing a warm touch to their face…a kiss on the cheek…holding their hand…giving them a piece of their favorite candy or dessert…looking through pictures…just being with them. It may sound simple, but these small acts of love and connection can provide your loved one with a familiar assurance in a world that is ever-changing and frightening to them.

By showing love each day, you may be surprised to find your loved one with Alzheimer’s/dementia, demonstrate love back to you. At the end of Gayle’s life, when she could no longer verbally communicate, she would put her forehead against mine and close her eyes.  What a message of love she conveyed to me in that simple gesture.

In twenty-five years of love and friendship with Gayle, I learned the true meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. We had no idea that our journey would take us through three cancers and early onset Alzheimer’s disease, but one of my greatest gifts in those 25 years came at the end of Gayle’s life.  She had been unconscious for two days so we were surprised when she woke up.  I talked with her that day and thanked her for sharing her life with me.  She began talking, but her words were all jumbled, as they had been for a long time.  All of a sudden, she looked right at me and said these words plain and clear…”I love you and you love me”.  I thought my heart would burst.  Those were the last words she ever spoke.

“Through the heart, we exercise the greatest power of the heart – the power of love.”  –Baptist de Pepe