A support and educational series for both caregivers as well as those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia began Tuesday at Alma’s First Presbyterian Church.
Newcomers are welcome when the two-hour series continues next Tuesday at 3 p.m. and another session at 6 p.m.
A complimentary soup and sandwich supper is offered in between the two sessions.
Each session begins with the educational aspect of the program. During the second hour, the group will divide.
The family members who are experiencing the problems will participate with the Good Company program already offered at the church, while the caregivers meet with the Alzheimer’s Association for peer support.
Laura Ruhle of Midland, program coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, said the battle against the stigma of any kind of mental health issue continues. Often, the problem isn’t diagnosed until the later stages because the victim and family members may deny that anything is wrong.
“We want to be proactive,” she said, “before safety comes into question. We want to pull it out of the closet.”
Each individual suffering from a type of dementia is unique. But the program will provide tools to help, from which the family may pick and choose.
For example, she said, it’s best to keep the patient engaged in meaningful activities.
“If they liked to garden, they may not be able to garden 20 acres but they could perhaps handle a garden box,” she said.
Visual aids such as calendars and blackboards are also helpful.
Some of the topics in the upcoming Tuesday sessions include the basics of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease along with a tour of the brain.
Other topics will examine changing relationships , supportive resources, the changing pace and coping with the loss of things like driving.
The last session will be held Nov. 12.
Registration is required. Call 1-800-272-3900 for more information and include the choice of the afternoon or evening session.
The series is free.
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