Lunch And Learn Sessions Aimed At Helping Caretakers Of Elderly
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Tim [email protected]
In September and October, REAL Services and Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana will sponsor a series of luncheons for caretakers called Lunch and Learn. The series is aimed at offering help and resources to those providing various levels of daily care for their loved ones.
Alzheimer's is a disease in which brain cells deteriorate or stop functioning. The result is that, over a period of years, a people with Alzheimer's lose the ability to form and retain memories and eventually the ability to carry out basic daily tasks of caring for themselves.
"Alzheimer's is very much a disease of phases," said Barbara Dzikowski, ASNI program director. "You really have to deal with each stage differently."
Dzikowski said, in the early stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer's may experience an unusual amount of forgetfulness, but otherwise, be able to carry out all the daily activities necessary to live an independent life. As the disease progresses, however, Alzheimer's patients become more and more reliant on loved ones to help them care for themselves. Eventually, those with Alzheimer's need 24-hour supervision and assistance with even the most basic tasks of dressing, grooming and eating. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's and progression of the disease can span anywhere between 4 and 20 years.
"It's a systematic going backward in function," said Dzikowski. "Essentially, it's a process we call retrogenesis. As the disease progresses, it tends to erase a person's memories in reverse."
Dzikowski said tracking the progression of the disease and assessing how much care a loved one needs is often a difficult process for families and caretakers. "It's a constant readjustment to the losses caused by the disease and working with what's left," she said. "Obviously, it takes an enormous toll on families, financially, emotionally and physically. Stress levels can be extremely high for caregivers."
And that's where Dzikowski said her agency and the Lunch and Learn series can help. "Families often feel like they don't know where to go and what to consider," Dzikowski said.
The Lunch and Learn series will focus on topics pertinent to difficulties and decisions caregivers face daily and offer tools to help make some of those decisions easier.
Dzikowski said her agency has offered the series in 14 counties in Northern Indiana. "This is a wonderful way for families to come, get a free lunch, and learn the basics about caring for any elderly loved one with Alzheimer's or any chronic condition," she said.
Pamela Welch, assistant director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center at REAL Services, said the luncheons also provide a much-needed break for caregivers and the opportunity to interact with other caregivers who can relate to the challenges they face. "Sometimes caregivers need to have a break, get away and learn something that is helpful to them in their caregiving," she said.
The luncheons are free, however those planning to attend must register at least one week prior to each program to reserve a lunch. To register, call 574-284-2644 Ext. 119 or 800-552-7928 Ext. 119.
The luncheons will be held at Grace College's Westminster Hall, 109 9th St., Winona Lake. All luncheons will begin at 12:10 p.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. The dates and topics for each session are as follows:
Sept. 11 - Home Sweet Home: Making it safe and services that can help. Safeproofing the home. How do I know when to intervene? Community programs and services
Sept. 25 - When dementia is the diagnosis. Understanding Alzheimer's disease and dementia and the difference between them. Strategies to help persons maintain function and independence
Oct. 9 - Negotiating the legal and financial maze. Getting prepared. Advance directives. Power of attorney and guardianship
Oct. 23 - What to consider when home is no longer an option. When is it time to begin considering placement? What are the options (i.e. assisted living, group homes, nursing home)? How can I assure my loved one gets the best care possible?
Nov. 9 - Developing caregiver skills and managing stress. Assessing the situation. How well do I take care of myself? Developing coping skills. Learning how to be a problem-solver.
[[In-content Ad]]
In September and October, REAL Services and Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana will sponsor a series of luncheons for caretakers called Lunch and Learn. The series is aimed at offering help and resources to those providing various levels of daily care for their loved ones.
Alzheimer's is a disease in which brain cells deteriorate or stop functioning. The result is that, over a period of years, a people with Alzheimer's lose the ability to form and retain memories and eventually the ability to carry out basic daily tasks of caring for themselves.
"Alzheimer's is very much a disease of phases," said Barbara Dzikowski, ASNI program director. "You really have to deal with each stage differently."
Dzikowski said, in the early stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer's may experience an unusual amount of forgetfulness, but otherwise, be able to carry out all the daily activities necessary to live an independent life. As the disease progresses, however, Alzheimer's patients become more and more reliant on loved ones to help them care for themselves. Eventually, those with Alzheimer's need 24-hour supervision and assistance with even the most basic tasks of dressing, grooming and eating. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's and progression of the disease can span anywhere between 4 and 20 years.
"It's a systematic going backward in function," said Dzikowski. "Essentially, it's a process we call retrogenesis. As the disease progresses, it tends to erase a person's memories in reverse."
Dzikowski said tracking the progression of the disease and assessing how much care a loved one needs is often a difficult process for families and caretakers. "It's a constant readjustment to the losses caused by the disease and working with what's left," she said. "Obviously, it takes an enormous toll on families, financially, emotionally and physically. Stress levels can be extremely high for caregivers."
And that's where Dzikowski said her agency and the Lunch and Learn series can help. "Families often feel like they don't know where to go and what to consider," Dzikowski said.
The Lunch and Learn series will focus on topics pertinent to difficulties and decisions caregivers face daily and offer tools to help make some of those decisions easier.
Dzikowski said her agency has offered the series in 14 counties in Northern Indiana. "This is a wonderful way for families to come, get a free lunch, and learn the basics about caring for any elderly loved one with Alzheimer's or any chronic condition," she said.
Pamela Welch, assistant director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center at REAL Services, said the luncheons also provide a much-needed break for caregivers and the opportunity to interact with other caregivers who can relate to the challenges they face. "Sometimes caregivers need to have a break, get away and learn something that is helpful to them in their caregiving," she said.
The luncheons are free, however those planning to attend must register at least one week prior to each program to reserve a lunch. To register, call 574-284-2644 Ext. 119 or 800-552-7928 Ext. 119.
The luncheons will be held at Grace College's Westminster Hall, 109 9th St., Winona Lake. All luncheons will begin at 12:10 p.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. The dates and topics for each session are as follows:
Sept. 11 - Home Sweet Home: Making it safe and services that can help. Safeproofing the home. How do I know when to intervene? Community programs and services
Sept. 25 - When dementia is the diagnosis. Understanding Alzheimer's disease and dementia and the difference between them. Strategies to help persons maintain function and independence
Oct. 9 - Negotiating the legal and financial maze. Getting prepared. Advance directives. Power of attorney and guardianship
Oct. 23 - What to consider when home is no longer an option. When is it time to begin considering placement? What are the options (i.e. assisted living, group homes, nursing home)? How can I assure my loved one gets the best care possible?
Nov. 9 - Developing caregiver skills and managing stress. Assessing the situation. How well do I take care of myself? Developing coping skills. Learning how to be a problem-solver.
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092