People with dementia make up fifty percent of residents in long-term care facilities; with an even larger number of individuals being cared for at home by loved ones. Addressing the quality of care people living with dementia receive is vital to the overall well-being of not only the person with dementia, but also to individuals who provide care. Our organization is dedicated to the promotion of safe, respectful dementia care, delivered though interactive training modules that build on participant experiences and problem-solving skills.

Memory Changes Associated with Normal Aging, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Designed to enhance each individual’s knowledge concerning normal aging memory loss or age-related memory loss, the consequences of dementia and the impact, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the presentation will identify types of services available when the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s and/or a related dementia.

Dementia Related Stages of Grief

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is an extremely emotional process. It is essential that the caregiver recognizes these feelings and deals with them in an effective manner so that it does not interfere with the ability to care for the person with Alzheimer’s disease. This course is designed to educate people about the dementia associated grief process and the support services available to the caregiver to overcome the process.

Safe Return

Caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and/or related dementias face numerous challenges in their everyday roles. One obstacle of paramount concern is wandering. Six in ten people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander. They may become disoriented and lost, even in their own neighborhood. Wandering is common; however, if not found within 24 hours, half of those who wander risk serious injury or death. This program will address wandering and the inherent risks associated with this behavior, enable officials to recognize, communicate and respond to a memory-impaired adult, and alert both caregivers and law enforcement officials of the Safe Return program and the services that the program and the Alzheimer’s Association has to offer.

Stress Management for the Caregiver

Caring for a loved one with a progressive disease such as Alzheimer’s places physical, emotional, and financial stress on caregivers. As the disease progresses, the role of the caregiver may require significant adjustments be made in the individual’s life. This session addresses coping with stress related to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and/or other related dementia and learning to identify the signs of stress. The curriculum also implements stress reduction tips and techniques and communicates the importance of taking time to meet the personal needs of the caregiver.

The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease

This educational forum addresses fundamental issues of Alzheimer’s disease, including:

• Definition and affect on the brain
• Diagnosis
• Treatment Options
• Progression of the disease
• Community Resource Options
• Caregiving Strategies

Partnering with your Doctor® Community Workshop

Partnering with your Doctor workshops will help patients with memory loss and their caregivers improve how they work with your doctor. This workshop will help you:

• Let your doctor know of and take care of your concerns
• Prepare for doctor visits
• Log the use of medicine and points to discuss
• Lower your stress
• Ensure the best health care possible

Grey Matters: Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment Lecture Series

This interactive education series is designed for persons concerned about memory loss as well as those who have been identified as having memory problems greater than normally expected with aging, but do not show other symptoms of dementia. Lecture topics include a variety of topics, including, but not limited to:

• Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Super Foods for the Brain
• Cognitively Stimulating Activities
• Facing Fears and Frustrations: Living with MCI