“Dementia Series: Living in the Land of Oz”

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities:.

            The Fall 2011 Caregiver Workshops three-part series will be offered in November.

            Caregivers taking care of their loved ones who have a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can gain guidance and advice at these free workshops. The series will be facilitated by Mary Fridley, founder of Gero-Resources LLC, consultant, and registered nurse. The workshop at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center is sponsored by Somerford Place Annapolis.

            Workshop No. 1 is called “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!” Like a tornado, a progressive dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease is a life-changing event. Learn about the different types of dementias, how they progress, current research and treatments, and how to prepare for the future.

            Workshop No. 2 is called “Follow the yellow brick road….” Dementia-impaired people are lost in their own worlds. The disease impairs perceptions of reality, resulting in confusion and disorientation. This workshop will teach participants how to effectively communicate and create a pathway to successful behavior management.

            Workshop No. 3 is called “There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home….” Requesting to go home when already home, repeating, wandering, and resistance to bathing are typical dementia behaviors. Caregivers are conflicted about what to do and feel inadequately prepared to manage them. This workshop will teach essential behavior management skills to use in everyday life.