NOVEMBER IS ALZHEIMER’S AWARNESS
November is Alzheimer's awareness month. Worldwide it is estimated that about 16 million people have Alzheimer's disease, 4.5 million of them are Americans. For every person with Alzheimer's there is often at least one other person who directly cares for them and a host of healthcare & social workers, advocates, volunteers and support workers in the background. With so many people directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer's it is good that a time of year is set aside to promote awareness. Please join us for our upcoming memory related programs!
A DEMENTIA FAMILY FORUM
When a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is given, the whole family needs care and the information to make care-giving easier. Join Beverly Moore, RN, MA, CS, and Michelle Wyman LSW of StilMee, to learn how dementia changes the brain and behavior. Learn how to respond to those changes in a helpful way and stay in relationship with your family member. This informative session will be held on Mon., Nov. 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the senior center, located at 293 Pine St. To register for this program, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
Beverly is the author of “Matters of the Mind and the Heart” and founder of StilMee, Alzheimer’s Coaching Services. With more than 40 years experience teaching and training she brings practical “how to” information on dementia care for families.
Michelle is a Licensed Social Worker and Alzheimer’s Coach with 30 years of experience working with elders and their families.
HEALTH & FUN STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING YOUR MEMORY
Nate Murray, LICSW and Kim Griffin, LSW of Visiting Angels provide a fun presentation for elders and their family members, including tips to improve your memory, how dancing can keep you fit and what foods may improve your memory. Join us on Thurs, Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Be prepared to get up and move! To register, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
BRAIN AEROBICS
Even our brains need exercise! Joanne Campbell returns to Norwell COA on Mon., Nov. 14 at 1:30 for this exciting program. This is a singing medication yoga exercise that helps with memory and cognitive functioning. This session includes a lecture, experiencing 12 minutes exercise and group discussion. All are welcome and no perfect voice required. 45 mins. $3.50. led by Joanne Campbell, Certified Consulting Hypnotist and member of the National Guild of Hypnotists since 1996. To register, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
Need More Information?
Looking for more information about Alzheimer’s? Visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/mahn for the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter or call 617.868.6718. This website is a wonderful resource and also includes educational information on teaching children about Alzheimer’s.
THE DAY PROGRAM: A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Beverly Moore
Much of what is needed in working well with someone with a memory disorder is counter intuitive. In a healthy relationship, people share plans, solve problems by discussion and ask each other's opinion on just about everything. These communication skills are not helpful in Alzheimer care because of the Alzheimer person’s anxiety at not being able to retain and process what is being told. It is important therefore, to help reduce the anxiety by developing new communication skills.
Take deciding on an adult day health program, for example. Ask people with Alzheimer’s if they want to go and they will most assuredly say “No.” Then where does the conversation go? Nowhere.
People with Alzheimer’s say no to anything they don’t understand. They’re afraid of failing whatever will be expected of them. So, the transition must be carefully planned out in advance of the person with a memory disorder becoming part of the plan.
The staff at the day center, for example, can ease getting the person there with a friendly, engaging greeting.
Elders have come to life again in a good day program. A day program is not a first step toward a nursing home. It is actually just the opposite.
A senior day program, with it’s social and creative stimulation, can delay nursing home placement, so it is a step in the right direction. The progression of dementia is delayed when the person is engaged with others in meaningful activity, given an opportunity for creative endeavors and appreciated as a unique person of words.
Providing this at home is a daunting task for family members. People at adult day centers are trained to fill the day well. They choose the work they do because of their love for elders. If a senior day program is an option, make this the month to visit a few.
Beverly Moore, RN. CS. is owner of StilMee, the leader in Alzheimer coaching and the author of “Matters of the Mind… and the Heart, Meeting the challenges Alzheimer care.” She can be reached at Beverly.Moore @StilMee.com or at (617) 328-3440. Also visit her blog at www.StilMeecoach.blogspot.com
Here are some local programs to consider.
- The Intermissions Program
Duxbury Senior Center
10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury, (781)934-1100 x 107
- CareWell Adult Day Treatment Center
141 Longwater Drive, Norwell (339) 788-9635
- Harbor House Adult Day Health Center
11 Condito Road, Hingham, 781-749-4774, x 842
Note: The Norwell COA provides resource referrals, but cannot endorse specific programs.
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