Navigating Dementia (with someone you love)
What I know is that almost all of us know someone with dementia. It could be a family member, a neighbor or friend, someone in our small group. And I know it can be hard to know what their experience is like or how to keep our connection with them and those caring for them as things get harder. So we’ve asked one of our Community Partners - Dementia Support Northwest - to come share with us after church on Sunday, March 8 from 12:30-2:00 up in room 216. Their fantastic nurse educator, Leslie, will cover:
- How symptoms of dementia are similar and different from normal signs of aging and from signs of depression
- The four most common types of dementia and how they differ
- The seven aspects of the disease and a little bit about what’s happening to the brain
- Descriptions of each phase of the disease and when each kind of care will be needed
- The four stages of caregiver fatigue and how to recognize more help is needed
- Tips for communicating with someone who has dementia that will keep you connected
- Community Resources and how to access them
- How to avoid isolation which speeds up the disease
If you know and love someone with dementia, I hope you’ll join us not just to learn, but also to be reminded of the love and support God makes available in so many ways! Again, you don’t need to be a spouse or caregiver to really benefit from this hour (and lunch is included). If you are a caregiver, Leslie did mention that this presentation can sometimes be distressing or confusing to people with dementia so it would be best to make other arrangements for them while you attend.
Questions? Please reach out to Pastor Wendy Powell at wendyp@ctk.church
