Help for those caring for dementia clients

At last night's employee meeting we shared the "3 Things to never do with your loved one with dementia" from  Careblazers TV.  The link is below. Spend sometime with the channel and maybe even subscribe. They have lots of very helpful videos to help you.

Today’s video is all about the 3 things to avoid doing with your loved one at all costs. It will make you less stressed and less frustrated. PLUS, it will make your loved one with dementia less likely to become agitated and irritable.

Careblazers TV, the place where we talk about everything dementia. If you are caring for a loved one with any type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia, or vascular dementia, then this is the place for you!

End of the Month Caregiver Resource Events

Hello Caregivers!

As the month of May comes to a close, there are a few more caregiver events that might be of interest to you. The first is on May 24, and is an Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group for caregivers of individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or related stages of dementia. This group will meet at Mercy Health SW, Grand Conference Room, 2373 64th Street, Grand Rapids from 9:30-11:00am. If you would like to attend, contact Kendra Schumaker at (616) 530-6700. 

The last group of this month is the Caregiver Support Group on May 28, from 7:00-9:00pm. This group is to provide support for families and friends of aging adults. The group will meet at the Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church (6595 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids). If you would like to attend, contact Ron Rozema at (616) 485-3578 or Julie Griffin at (616) 617-1692.

Have a great week!

Caregiver Resource Events

Hello Caregivers!

This Tuesday, May 22nd, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will be hosting a few events that are open to all caregivers. The first event is the Caregiver Support Group, and is a group offered by Care Services of Evergreen Commons for caregivers who care for someone with dementia. This group is meeting from 3:00-4:00pm at Fellowship Reformed Church (2165 W. Lakewood Blvd, Holland). If you would like to attend, contact the Day Center at Evergreen Commons at (616) 355-5130.

The second event is from 6:00-7:00pm and is the Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group. This group is for caregivers of individuals who have Alzheimer's disease or any level of dementia. This group will take place at Algoma Township Office (10531 Algoma Ave, Rockford). If you would like to attend or have any questions, contact Anna Papke at (616) 745-3101.

For any more information on these events, go to www.caregiverresource.net.

Family Caregiver University- Long-Term Care Options

Hello Caregivers!

Next Tuesday, May 22, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is holding a class in part of their Community Resources A to Z series. The class is about long-term care options and will include topics of hospital observation vs. admission, assisted living and nursing homes, how to choose a long term care facility, patient choices/rights, as well as caregiver burden/guilt, the right to nursing home discharge, and advocacy and communication strategies. 

If you would like to register, email registration@aaawm.org or call 616-222-7032. There is a $5.00 suggested fee per class that is payable at the door.

Location: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan                                                                                         3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 

Speakers: Nelly Brower, LBSW – Director of Psychosocial Services, Samaritas                                                     Stephanie Hecksel, LMSW – NFT Outreach Specialist, Area Agency on Aging of                                         Western Michigan                                                                                                                         Kaye Scholle, MSW – Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

If you have any questions, call 616-222-7032 or visit www.caregiverresource.net.