Madison Senior Center

Posted on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 at 12:33 pm

No one is ever prepared to become a caregiver for a loved one diagnosed with dementia. The financial and emotional strain, as well as the time commitment are significant and draining. A new educational series is designed to help you prepare and plan for the eventuality of this situation. It will also benefit individuals already immersed and trying to getting a handle on their situation. This is a series so each week builds on the previous one. It is most beneficial to attend all three. If you need respite care in order to attend, call Jane DeBroux at 240-7400. This program is FREE, but you must register. Call 266-6581.

Week 1 “What is Dementia”

Dr. Nathaniel Chin, director of medical services for the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and medical director for the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) Study, will be presenting on the overall process of dementia and what to expect from this progression. This session will include understanding memory loss, cognitive impairment, and the different types of dementia.

After Dr. Chin’s presentation a panel of caregivers will relay their experiences as caregivers of an individual with dementia and answer questions.

* If you missed week one, you can still get the handouts.

Week 2 Caregiving & Communication

Staff from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin will lead a presentation and discussion on what to expect when caring for someone who has dementia. This will include communication tips and techniques, as well as understanding that different behaviors are a form of communication by the individual with dementia.

Week 3 Legal & Financial Planning

Attorney Mark Johnson, a member of the Dementia Friendly Financial Group, will address legal and financial issues that you should be aware of.

Part 2 of the Preparing to Care will be held in March 2020. In that series we will cover Preparing the Home, A Day in the Life of a Dementia Caregiver and Caring for the Caregiver.