Living With Memory Loss - LWML
LOCAL EDUCATION CLASSES: Sponsored by Willow Care, Waterford Grand , Elder Health & Living Memory Village. Each company also provides a facilitator for the series. Bridget and Willow from Willow Care have been facilitators for many years, together and separately.
Fall session starts September 3rd, 2024
This 10-Week educational series has been offered for over 20 years in the Eugene/Springfield area. Each session features a local expert offering information and support needed for caring for your loved one with memory loss. Attendees in early-stage memory loss are also welcome. There will be opportunities for questions and support for attendees. Class size is limited to 25 people, register early.
Each two-hour class occurs consecutive Tuesdays for 10-weeks. Offered Fall, Winter and Spring. Cost: $100 per family. Scholarships offered.
If you are interested in learning more or want to register, contact us at 541.852.3311 or careconsulting.bridget@gmail.com.
“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!” - 2024 attendee
1/ Memory Loss 101
September 3, 2024
Introductions to this series, with an overview of the history, the types and general issues related to Dementia. Get to know your facilitator's and attendees.
2/ Understanding Your Diagnosis
September 10, 2024
Learn why a 'dementia diagnosis is not good enough'. A Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with over 35 years experience in this field will review the symptom profiles for five common types of dementia. You will learn what 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 and Communication Skills
September 17, 2024
The principles of person-centered care are introduced through the insightful book on dementia, "Best Friends Approach". Learn more effective ways to respond to communication and behavior issues with your loved one. One of the facilitators for this class was an owner of a memory care community and worked in the field the majority of her career.
Support group resources are given.
4/ Legal and Financial Considerations
September 24, 2024
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/ Family Dynamics and Caring for the Care Partner
October 1, 2024
Family Dynamics theory is reviewed through the lens of caring for someone w/memory loss.
This system assumes that a family is understood best by examining it as one whole system, where each member has a known purpose or function.
Learn strategies for 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 support.
6/ Transportation, Safety, and Independence
October 8, 2024
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
October 15, 2024
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
October 22, 2024
Coping strategies for recognizing and living with loss and grief reviewed through the lens of taking care of a loved one with memory loss.
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
October 29, 2024
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 reveiw and define what these Medicare paid services are, when to access, and the local options.
10/ Healthy Living for Cognitive Wellness/Senior & Disability Services
November 5, 2024
Strategies for improving brain health with nutrition, exercise, & cognitive activities, taught by a Public Health Educator, MPH.
A representative from Senior & Disability Services will explain how to access resources offered to families of loved ones with a memory loss disease (not all are resource-need driven).
Learn how to respond when a loved one does not acknowledge/see their memory loss symptoms.
“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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