Having a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a stressful endeavor for the entire family.
Offering a helping hand, Alzheimer’s Tennessee is rolling out a “Caring and Coping” workshop to give family guidance and support for families and caregivers Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Towering Oaks Baptist Church in Greeneville.
“It is important to begin living a new reality because ours is not real for them. We needed to begin looking at life from their point of view. We will discover the ‘why’ behind many stressful situations. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be exhausting, don’t we all want to know how to make it a smoother ride?,” said Karen Stobbe, an educator and guest speaker for Wednesday’s workshop.
According to Tracey Kendall, regional director of Alzheimer’s Tennessee, the day-long session gives participants a better understanding of the disease from its process to available treatments. Individuals can also learn “practical tips for caring for those touched by dementia while maintaining their own health,” Kendall added.
Advanced registration is required for the event due to limited seating. Admission is $25 for family caregivers and $45 for healthcare professionals. Kendall added the fee covers material, lunch and refreshments. Scholarships are also readily available for those in need of financial assistance.
Along with Stobbe’s insight, Dr. Ronald Hamdy, one of the region’s only Geriatric Medicine specialists, will also highlight the workshop by providing an overview of medical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s disease takes a heavy toll on many families,” President and CEO of Alzheimer’s Tennessee Janice Wade-Whitehead said in an email to the Elizabethton Star. “More than 70% of all care given to those touched by the disease is provided by family caregivers. The Caring and Coping Workshops are an opportunity for caregivers to get the practical information they need. We hope families will be led to have conversations and make decisions before the crisis point.”
According to information provided by the organization, more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States with one out of three seniors passing away with either Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
For more information on the organization or to register for the workshop, visit www.alzTennessee.org or call (423) 330-4532.