More than 11 million family and friends, including 358,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States. In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for our our four-part series where you’ll hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s. The series will be taking place virtually April 12-15.
Confident Caregiver Symposium
Part one — “Understanding the Progression of Alzheimer’s and Dementia”
Monday, April 12 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
This program will cover the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias particularly as the disease evolves in the middle stage. The presentation will explain what is occurring in the brain so that caregivers better understand what is driving changes in their loved one. Information about treatments on the horizon and clinical trials will also be shared. Dr. Claire Sexton, director of Scientific Programs & Outreach at the Alzheimer’s Association*, will be presenting.
Part two — “Caregiving in the Middle Stage of Alzheimer’s and Dementia: From Care Partner to Caregiver”
Wednesday, April 14 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
This program will cover how to balance safety with autonomy for the individual living with Alzheimer’s and tips for changes in daily activities and medication management. Bobbi Matchar, MSW, MHA, director of the Duke Dementia Family Support Program, will be presenting.
Part three — “Caregivers Talk, A Panel: Experiences and Insights of Caregiving”
Wednesday, April 14 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This program will include panelists who will share their experiences and insights of caregiving from a variety of perspectives such as spouse and adult child caregiver/care partner). Panel will include: Dr. Paul Brown (caregiver/speaker/author), Barbara Ivey (certified dementia practitioner/author), and Elizabeth Reinstein (caregiver).
Part four — “Communication, Behavior, and Intimacy: A Deeper Dive into Interpersonal Changes”
Thursday, April 15 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
This program will cover changes in communication and behavior and how these affect our relationships including intimacy. Alyssa Szymanski Botte, MA, MDiv, LCMHC, a psychotherapist at New Day Counseling, will be presenting.
The four-part series is open to individuals with a recent diagnosis and/or in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases, their families and care-partners. General public interested in learning more about planning, resources, and services that are available may also attend. Registrants will be automatically enrolled in all four sessions and may attend all or just those sessions that fit best their schedule and interests. Attendees can attend via video/webinar or through a toll-free number. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required.
To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/ConfidentCare or call 1-800-272-3900.
*Bios for all panels can be found here.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 