"Photozig and Stanford University are providing the new free iCare program for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other type of dementia, funded by the National Institute on Aging, with the goal of developing a new training on dealing with caregiving, alleviating stress, and improving quality of life.

Caregivers will receive free materials (DVD, web resources, and instructions) related to dementia and caregiving, and be asked to describe opinions about these materials, helping to develop the iCare program. There is no charge for the program and materials. Qualified participants will receive additional monetary compensation for participation.

This is a web-based self learning research program (no face-to-face meetings, appointments), and you can live anywhere in US.

For more information go to http://www.icarefamily.com.

I signed up and was just accepted. There's also $50 paid at the end of the program if you complete it.

I've applied but haven't heard if accepted yet.

Thanks Vickie! I also applied & am waiting to hear back.

I have been approved for the program and can't wait to get started. I expect great things from this and hope all that apply get accepted. Thanks again Vickie for letting us know about this opportunity.

I have also been approved for the program. Mammie we can start watching them on line till or DVD gets to us.

Just finished the survey, now wait.

I never got a response at all, I'm disappointed.

I didn't get a call but I did go online and watch the topics there. I can't wait to get the DVD and workbook.......

Elaine and Zibby, I didn't get a responce either, so I wrote them. That is when I got the email saying "Hello Nikki,

Thank you for your e-mail.
I would like to talk with you about the survey result over the phone, so please tell me your phone numbers and good time me to call you.

Or, you can call me at

(650)694-7496 Ext2
Thank you.
mio yamashita
iCare team"

I haven't called. I wonder why they want to talk to me in person? Odd.

Sounded fishy to me too. I didn't put my number on the survey because I do not like telemarketing calls. Where she gave her number, perhaps I will give her a call when things settle down a bit. Will be sure to let you know what they say if I do :)

I called and left msg yesterday a.m. since I hadn't heard from them. Mio returned my call and said she'd sent a msg 7/18. Later I looked in "spam" and saw msg had gone directly into that file. Mio has a VERY STRONG accent, and I had difficulty understanding her. (Must be a new immigrant from Japan??) Asked where she is located. CA. When I called and was given options to direct my call, one choice was marketing. So I asked Mio if this was a sales promo. Not yet. They want input from caregivers and will use "our" ideas and experiences to develop materials to help caregivers. Those items will be for sale. In afternoon I received my log-in and password. Haven't logged in yet. May be a year's worth of journaling, etc. I don't have time or interest for that for $50 at the end to help a company develop info that I can get from you kind journey companions. Skeptical.

I received the materials and it looks legit to me. I wouldn't hesitate to give them whatever info. they want so you can sign up. It was developed by a university in conjunction with the Alz Assn--training for dementia caregivers is sorely needed. I think most of it would have been more helpful to me earlier in the journey--to push me to take time out for myself, in a structured way. I have never seen the type of things they are suggesting, will check back in after I've had more time to peruse it.

MarilyninMD, I agree, it would have been more helpful to me early on. I think their screening would have been better if they had sought out caregivers whose LO had just been diagnosed. We, who have been on Joan's site for several years probably could have written the handbook they sent. It's really good info, just a little late for me.

Got a call this morning from Mio - she is really hard to understand. I felt a little bad for having to ask her repeat what she was saying. I was denied because they feel I am too depressed for the study. Said I should talk with my doctor and get help. I told her that is not going to happen - have no money or insurance. She said I would be welcome to go to their website when it is developed in 6-9 months.

Oh well - such is life. At least I heard back.

I took the final last night-did not really get much out of any of it-did you???