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Alzheimer’s Texas
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Alzheimer’s Texas
Co-hosted by Alzheimer's Texas and Riverbend Church, the GPS "A Road Map for Caring for Aging Family Members" Workshop was a wonderful day of knowledge and inspiration on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
The event was a packed house and provided attendees the chance to hear from experts on a range of topics including:
- "Dementia and Alzheimer's/The Final Chapter" - Tam Cummings, PhD, gerontologist, author of Untangling Alzheimer's
- "Avoiding Pitfalls of Aging" - Debbie Pearson, RN, CCM, TxCG, founder of CareFor
- "Caregivers Need Care Too" - Annette Juba, LCSW, deputy director at AGE of Central Texas
A few key takeaways from the presenters included:
- The lobe of the brain responsible for facial recognition is compromised during disease, which is why they may react as if they do not know you. If they are living in their past they may call you by a name that makes sense to them (i.e., mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, brother, sister, etc.)
- The grief process takes 10 years on average (recommended website is Grief.com or read the book, The Needs of the Dying, by David Kessler)
- When making a medical plan, the devil is in the details. Leave no option unexplored and write all your wishes while you are still able to. (Do you want a feeding tube or life support? How long?)
- Self-care for caregivers can be something small but is essential! Consider using your favorite cup, playing your favorite music, putting on your most comfortable socks, taking a few minutes to deep breathe, or keeping a gratitude journal.
The Senior Resource Guide was a proud sponsor of this event. Free copies of the Senior Resource Guide were available for attendees.