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Dementia is an umbrella term for chronic conditions impacting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to impair daily life. As our population ages, the incidence of dementia is expected to increase — more than doubling in the U.S. by 2050. In fact, by the time you finish reading this sentence, someone will receive a new Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. The World Health Organization calls it one of the greatest health challenges of our generation.
If your loved one has recently received a dementia diagnosis or you are beginning the process of medical evaluation, you may feel overwhelmed about the path ahead. How will you determine what your loved one needs, and, as a caregiver, how can you prepare for the changes to come?
Help is available. Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) will offer “Prepare to Care: Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis” on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Maury River Senior Services from 9 a.m. to noon. Designed for family caregivers, care partners and friends of those new to dementia, the workshop provides a road map for the journey ahead.
Participants will engage in discussion on topics relevant to early stage dementia. This program will focus on addressing fears and provide education and empowerment to better cope with the challenges of dementia caregiving. Starting with education and role plays, the presentation will be followed with three roundtable discussions including: The Emotional Weather Report; Responding to Changing Dementia Behaviors and Situations; Creating Comfortable and Engaging Conversations about Dementia; and Your Caregiver Role with Family, Friends, Neighbors and Associates There is no cost to participate, but space is limited. Visit vpas.info/dementia-awareness to register, or call 540-261-7474.
