UK to host Dementia Caregivers Week Nov. 7-10
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2023) — University of Kentucky Human Resources Elder Care, in partnership with the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, is hosting several events for Dementia Caregivers Week, Nov. 7-10. The theme for the week is "Embracing the Dementia Caregivers Journey."
“Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a struggle. We need guidance, support and information,” said Terri Applegate-Weber, UK HR elder care specialist. “Dementia is progressive, and our loved one’s abilities may change day to day. So no matter how long we’ve been a caregiver, there are always new things we can learn to help, not just our loved one, but ourselves too.”
Kicking off the week is the Virtual Dementia Tour, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Gaines Center for the Humanities/Commonwealth House located at 226 E. Maxwell St.
The tour, a product of Second Wind Dreams, is a simulation that allows participants to experience life through the eyes of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The simulation helps participants better understand what people with dementia experience on a day-to-day basis. It is not a diagnosis of whether someone has dementia or will develop dementia later in their life.
Two participants will go through the simulation at 15-minute intervals, and there are slots for 26 participants each day.
The simulation will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Participants will need to arrive a few minutes early to receive instruction and acquaint themselves with the surroundings. If participants are late, they may be asked to reschedule for a future simulation date.
Spots are reserved by appointment only. Those wishing to attend can reserve their time here.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Elder Care lunch and learn session will feature former Wisconsin Gov. Marty Schreiber, who will discuss his book “My Two Elaines.” Schreiber provided care for his wife, Elaine, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for nearly 20 years. When Elaine moved to memory care, Schreiber authored a book and made hundreds of appearances nationwide, traveling to every corner of Wisconsin and more than 28 states. Five autographed hardcovered books, which were donated by the Bluegrass Elder Abuse Prevention Council, will be given away in a random drawing to those who attend the presentation.
Sign up for the event here.
On Thursday, Nov. 9, the creative writing workshop is from noon to 1 p.m. with UK mental health therapists Eric Wilkinson and Rhonda Henry leading the session. Creative writing is a technique used to find a person’s voice and tell their caregiver story. It can help find reason and meaning through inward reflection and allows one to pause for a moment from all the extraneous noise to find what is truly meaningful. Creative writing allows people to look at both the joys and challenges of their caregiving experience.
Register for the session here.
On Friday, Nov. 10, the program “A Closer look at Dementia” will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This. two-part discussion with Pete Nelson and Gregory Jicha will be held via Zoom and at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, 2199 Harrodsburg Road.
The schedule is as follows:
9:30-10:15 a.m.
What is dementia and how does it affect the brain?
Nelson, director of neuropathology, UK Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, will discuss (and show) the pathology of dementia, how it alters healthy brain cells and in turn, how that interferes with our daily living.
10:15-11:00 a.m.
Diagnosis and treatment
Jicha, UK Neurology; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, will explain how a dementia diagnosis is made and what treatment options are available. Although there is no cure yet, an early diagnosis gives you access to more treatment options and provides an opportunity to participate in a wider variety of clinical trials. An early diagnosis also allows you and your family more time to plan for the future and to accomplish the things you always wanted to.
To register for the in-person event (limited to 20 people), click here. To register for the Zoom presentation, click here.
For information on Senior Caregivers week, contact UK HR Elder Care Specialist Terri Applegate-Weber at 859-218-0457 or terri.weber@uky.edu.
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