Courageous Hearts
A Journey Through Alzheimer’s
Cyndy’s memoir is available now as an ebook or in paperback at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and these local independent booksellers: Hooked on Books, Poor Richards.
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Where scientists and clinicians often focus solely on stress and coping related to the weighty tasks of caregiving, Cyndy describes those but focuses the reader on the care partner’s growth opportunities. This sad, funny, engaging story of challenges, both big and small, invites us to stay mindful of our strengths, even in tragic circumstances.
Sara Honn Qualls, Ph.D., ABPP
Articles
Featuring Cyndy
- Gazette Lifestyle Feature — Live Well: Colorado Springs woman chronicles caring for husband with Alzheimer’s in new book, 9/2/22
(or you may view it on their “text-view” version if you hit a paywall) - Cyndy’s list of challenges were featured in an article by the Alzheimer’s Association — Early-Stage Caregiving Challenges, 7/13/22
- Another article by the Alzheimer’s Association looking back on Cyndy’s caregiving experiences — An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Looks Back at her Journey, 11/30/16
Other Helpful Articles
- Mindfulness Exercises Can Be as Effective as Anxiety Drugs, Study Shows
Washington Post 1/23/23 - The Hidden Reasons Why Alzheimer’s Caregivers are so Stressed
Time Magazine 11/5/18
National Organizations
Alzheimer’s Association
Provides a vast amount of information about the disease, signs and symptoms, research, caregiver’s center, and available help.
alz.org
(800) 272-3900 National 24/7 Helpline
also:
Provides a free nationwide database of Alzheimer’s care facilities, where families who are in need of care for their loved ones are able to locate licensed care homes and communities that are best equipped to provide care for their loved ones.
Senior Housing for Alzheimer’s
Describes how Alzheimer’s care differs from regular senior living facilities and offers a way to search in your area for a facility to meet your needs and those of your loved one.
Mindfulness
The place to go for insight, information, and inspiration to help us all live more mindfully. Weekly newsletter and magazine also available at this site.
(855) 492-1675
Organizations Local to
Colorado or Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Agency on Aging
Providing services to seniors, including resources available in the community, assistance, caregiver support, etc .
15 S. 7th Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
(719) 471-2096
Play to Remember
People with memory impairment need things to do. Caregivers need tools so they can provide things for people to do. Play to Remember is the link so they can do things together!
The Play to Remember mission is to:
- Help family members connect with loved ones who have memory impairment.
- Provide games and activities to reduce isolation.
- Offer families time to smile, laugh and enjoy being together.
(719) 344-5877
Never Alone Consulting
Paula Lucero-Levy provides one-on-one support, group support, and professional group support.
(844) 933-1456
Beneficient
“We help you access funds to pay for long-term care.”
Since April 1999, Beneficent has been privileged to successfully assist more than 3000 Seniors and Disabled Adults through asset preservation in the face of high long-term care costs. We consider the trust extended to us over the last 20 plus years to be among our greatest honors.
Having experienced many of our own family members with Alzheimer’s go through the rigors of long-term care, we understand firsthand the mental, emotional and financial toll placed on families. If you’re uncertain about how to pay to the care that you or your loved ones need, Beneficent offers a free initial consultation to outline your options and plan for the future.
665 Southpointe Court Suite #100
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
(719) 645-8350
To schedule an appointment call our office or click here.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Aging Center
Addresses the social problems and mental health needs faced by individuals and families in the second half of life. Provides education and counseling to meet the psychological and social needs of older adults and those who love them. Also provides memory screenings, and neuropsychological assessments.
4863 N. Nevada Ave., Suite 321
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-8002
Colorado Springs Senior Center
Offering recreation, education, social events and personal services to adults 55+
1514 N. Hancock
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 955-3400
Woodland Park Senior Center
Promotes the general well-being of senior citizens and disabled adults 50+, by providing social interaction, mental stimulation, healthy activities and nutritious hot meals.
321 N. Pine Street
Woodland Park, CO 80866
(719) 687-3877
Voyages
Adult Day Care
Provides day care for adults, to support the caregiver so they can have time for their own needs.
1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 785-9294
Alzheimer’s Association
Provides information and support for people living with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers.
(800) 272-3900
HomeCare.org
Learn about the cost of home care and other senior living options in Colorado, various ways to pay for it, and other available resources for Colorado seniors.
HomeCare.org/colorado
HomeCare.org/does-medicare-cover-in-home-care/
HomeCare.org/the-cost-of-24-7-in-home-care/
