Education Series: Living With Memory Loss
A variety of organizations have kept this series supported and sustained over the 23 years it has been occuring. Elderhealth & Living has been a long-term leader.
Spring session starts Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Fall session starts Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Supporting your loved one with dementia can be a journey fraught with unknowns and anxiety. We are here to help with a 10-week educational series featuring local experts that outline how to effectively plan, engage and be supported. This series has been helping families in the Eugene & Springfield area for over 23 years. Meet with a cohort of 25 attendees, learning together in a supportive environment. Early-stage memory-loss attendees are also welcomed.
DATE: Every Tuesday for 10-weeks
TIME: 9:00am-11:00am
LOCATION: First Congegrational Church, 1050 E 23rd Ave, Eugene, OR 97405
SEASON: Offered Fall, Winter and Spring every year
COST: $125 per family. Scholarships offered.
If you are interested in learning more or want to register, contact Bridget at 541.852.3600, careconsulting.bridget@gmail.com. Class size is limited to 25 people and we often carry a waitlist.
“Every week I am delighted to learn that there are so many agencies, organizations, and programs available to help loved ones and caregivers. I really appreciate this information!” - Attendee
1/ Memory Loss 101
April 7, 2026
Introductions to this series, with an overview of the history, the types and general issues related to Dementia. Get to know your facilitator's. Listen to other attendee situations, learn you are not alone and who this group is, helping you on your journey.
2/ Understanding Your Diagnosis
April 14, 2026
Why is it important to get a specific diagnosis, and not just a general 'dementia' one? Attend and learn from a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years experience in this field. She will the importance as well as the symptom profiles for five common types of dementia (ex. - Alzheimers vs. Vascular). You will learn what types of symptoms to expect for each type, allowing you to plan for the future and understand how to successfully engage with your loved one through their journey. See Article for further information.
3/ Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care & Communication Skills: Best Practices
April 21, 2026
Principles of person-centered care are introduced through the insightful book on dementia, "Best Friends Approach". We also provide concrete tools and thinking on how to engage for best outcomes and lowered agititaion of your loved one. There will be time for discussion and learning from the other attendees in class; what has or hasn't worked for them, what challenges or successes are you having?
4/Legal and Financial Considerations
April 28, 2026
An elder-law attorney answers questions on long-term care, estate matters, Powers of Attorney, Trusts vs. Wills, defines Probate, and much more. A reveiw of Medicaid eligibility requirements that cover costs for care communities is always a key component to this class. This includes spousal situations with the "Split and spend down" process.
See article for more details
5/ Caring for the Care Partner
May 5, 2026
Learn strategies from a licensed social worker with decades of senior care experience. A discussion on recognizing and lowering care partner stress, and why this is so important for long term care of a loved one with memory loss. Includes specific, practical and local resources for caregiver supportas. How to ask for help, what are the stumbling blocks and why is 'receiving' so hard.
An author who provided caregiving to her mother and went on to write a book on compassion fatigue also outlines her experience.
6/ Transportation, Safety, and Independence
May 12, 2026
Learn how memory loss affects driving skills, strategies for when it’s time to give up the car keys, while still maintaining independence and socialization. An LTD representative discusses programs on Ridesource and other transportation options.
Learn about keeping someone safe in and out of their home with technology, tracking devices, and other safety techniques. There will be a review of firearms in the home and how to address with your loved one with memory loss.
7/ Normal Aging vs. Aging with a Neurocognitive Impairment
May 19, 2026
Learn common health conditions and behaviors that are specifically associated with various forms of memory loss as your loved one progresses. This will help you identify if there is a memory loss decline or if another health issue is impacting your loved one as they progress and age. The facilitator is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner who will help you understand how to form an effective response that is practical and compassionate.
8/ Resiliency with Grief and Loss
Preparing for an Ambulance Visit
May 26, 2026
A non-denominational Hospice Chaplain will review the types of grief that care-partners experience when dealing with memory loss, and how to to effectively address with and cope.
A paramedic and EMT from the Eugene/Springfield Fire Department will present on how best to prepare for an emergency when you need an ambulance.
9/ Senior Care Communities, In-home-care & Hospice
June 2, 2026
Learn what type of senior care communities are available & what care level they allow. Costs are reviewed in conjunction with Medicaid options/strategies. Get to know the acceptance criteria of communities and what it looks like when people take too long to place someone in memory care. One of the hardest questions "When do I decide to move a loved one into memory care" will be reviewed.
A Hospice and Palliative care representative will review and define what these Medicare paid services are, when to access, and the local options.
10/ Healthy Living for Cognitive Wellness/Senior & Disability Services
June 9, 2026
Strategies for improving brain health with nutrition, exercise, & cognitive activities. Learn what new research is available for those with dementia, as well as preventative.
A representative from Senior & Disability Services will explain how to access programs and resources offered to families of loved ones with a memory loss disease.
“I love this class. It has exceeded my expectations on information about memory loss
in its many forms. The coping strategies and information on behavioral tips for
caregivers have been excellent.”
-Attendee, 2023
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If you're considering senior care living solutions for your family or friends in Oregon and have not started the process, book a free consultation today. We may be able to help.