In the midst of a pandemic, feeling connected is so important now more than ever. That is especially true for people who are acting as caregivers to friends, family, or loved ones. The role of caregiver can often be stressful, challenging, and exhausting, both mentally and physically. Since the library is unable offer our regular group meeting spaces, the Alzheimer’s Association is providing a number of free virtual education programs for the month of July and beyond.
These kinds of topics and conversations can be very challenging to have not only with the person experiencing dementia, but also with family members who might be concerned about the changes that a new diagnosis brings. This virtual event is an outstanding program that is highly recommended for anyone providing care to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you are interested in attending this virtual program, be sure to register for the program on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Here is a list of upcoming programs for July:
July 29: Living with Alzheimer’s Middle Stage – Part 3
The library also has a number of resources on Alzheimer’s and dementia that can be useful. If you are just starting to learn about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss, or just want a refresher, “Is it Alzheimer’s?” by Peter Rabins is a good place to start. You could also try “The Family Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease” which is a DVD format that helps families understand what to expect, deal effectively with the challenges of this disease, and help their loved ones enhance their quality of life and meet their needs more successfully.
For many people, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be overwhelming. The ways these diseases are portrayed in headlines a
nd the media often highlight the more extreme cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia rather than showing the more typical cases. In her book “Living with Alzheimer’s: managing memory loss, identity, and illness” author Renée Beard discusses her observation of nearly 100 seniors from a variety of stages from undergoing cognitive evaluation to interviewing people after their diagnosis to late in life forgetfulness. The lesson in Beard’s book is that despite the challenges that many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia face, most individuals can achieve a balance between the social stigma of the disease and navigating daily life.
Hopefully you find these resources helpful. The library is open and we are also offering curbside pickup. Don’t forget to check out the virtual program offerings from the Alzheimer’s Association!
