The Birches Hosts Alzheimer's Association Lecture

It’s not always easy to interact with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. As a progressive form of dementia, Alzheimer’s impairs memory and causes problems with thinking and behavior. The resulting changes in a loved one’s mood and demeanor leave many caregivers at a loss for how to continue developing meaningful connections in their relationship.

On November 19, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Manager of Education and Outreach Gene Kuhn will deliver a presentation titled “Learning to Connect” at The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills. Kuhn’s presentation will begin at 7:00 pm and will focus on techniques for connecting with those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Kuhn will begin his presentation by discussing how Alzheimer’s affects the brain and how the disease progresses. He will then provide strategies for making meaningful connections with people who have Alzheimer’s.

“A person with Alzheimer’s disease’s reality might be a little bit different than yours or mine. They’ll say things that might not be true or might not be true at this particular point in time,” said Kuhn.

According to Kuhn, when interacting with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, it is best to go wherever their reality is by validating what they are saying, reassuring them, and trying to put them more at ease. Kuhn also recommends offering them something else to do when they are confused or upset— a technique known as redirection.

Kuhn is relatively new to the Alzheimer’s Association but has worked in the senior care industry for 10 years. His dedication to helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers comes from his personal connection to the disease; Kuhn’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s and his wife’s grandfather recently passed away with the illness.

Gene Kuhn’s presentation “Learning to Connect” is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register for the lecture, contact Jackie Raschke at 630-581-7350.

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents’ physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.