Living With Memory Loss
Sponsors: A variety of organizations have kept this series supported and sustained over the years. Elderhealth & Living has been a long-term leader of this series from its infancy, an integral part of keeping it strong over the decades. Primary website: Elderhealth & Living's Education Series
Winter session starts Tuesday, January 7th, 2025
Spring session starts Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
Fall session starts Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025
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 22 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: 10:00am-12:00pm
SEASON: Offered Fall, Winter and Spring every year
COST: $100 per family. Scholarships offered.
If you are interested in learning more or want to register, contact Bridget at 541.852.3600 or 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!” - 2024 attendee
1/ Memory Loss 101
April1, 2025
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
April 8, 2025
Learn why a 'dementia diagnosis is not good enough'. A Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 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
April 15, 2025
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.
Support group resources are provided.
4/ Healthy Living for Cognitive Wellness/Senior & Disability Services
April 22, 2025
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.
Learn how to respond when a loved one does not acknowledge/see their memory loss symptoms - Anosognosia.
5/ Transportation, Safety, and Independence
April 29, 2025
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.
6/ Family Dynamics and Caring for the Care Partner
May 6, 2025
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.
7/ Normal Aging vs. Aging with a Neurocognitive Impairment
May 13, 2025
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 20, 2025
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 Battalion Chief with the Eugene/Springfield Fire Department will present on how best to prepare for an emergency when you need an ambulance.
9/Legal and Financial Considerations
May 27, 2025
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
10/ Senior Care Communities, In-home-care & Hospice
June 3, 2025
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.
“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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