Wellness Retreat held for people with dementia and caregivers

TARRYTOWN - The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter held a wellness retreat for people with Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion on Monday, Oct. 21.

The free event included massage, art therapy, chair yoga, aromatherapy, pet therapy with dogs, music and art activities and a food demonstration. Snacks and a buffet lunch were also included.

Event organizer Eva Roszkowski, who is a community engagement manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter and an adviser for the Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Council, said it was a special day for those who participated.

“This retreat happens only once a year, so we try to make it a memorable one for the families we work with. Everyone deserves a break from their day-to-day life. We did our best to create a fun and relaxing day, and seeing our participants’ smiling faces made it all the more special,” Roszkowski said. “I am just happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of it and witness the happiness in the room.”

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. For tips on how to deal with caregiver stress, or to leave a tribute in honor of a caregiver you know, visit alz.org/nadam. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of other programs and services for people with Alzheimer’s and their family caregivers. Its 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 offers support anytime.

Consultations with licensed social workers on staff, Educational programs, support groups and social programs are also available. Memory Cafes are held regularly at various Westchester County locations, featuring a free lunch and musical entertainment. The AlzWell Social Club is held on Saturdays and Sundays in White Plains and includes interactive activities such as creative writing, trivia games, singing and dancing to live music, ice-cream socials, clay art making, choral groups and sing-alongs, guest speakers, discussions of current events and books, light yoga, dance instruction, art projects and stress-relief exercises. Preregistration and pre-screening are required to participate. Call the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter at 800.272.3900 to learn more.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.