As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Abundant Living Adult Day Services is hosting an educational program for family caregivers.
Beth Croom of the Alzheimer’s Association will present “When Realities Collide” from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Abundant Living, 1416-A S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
“A lot of times, when folks have dementia, they sort of go back in time,” says Barbara Garwood, executive director of Abundant Living.
“Their reality is very different from the ‘real’ reality. The old school of thought used to be reality therapy, which was trying to orient them to what we consider to be real. And that doesn’t work. It just ends up frustrating the caregiver and person with dementia.”
Garwood says that Croom’s presentation will help give caregivers practical advice, including how to redirect the thoughts of the person with dementia.
There is no charge to attend the presentation, but call Abundant Living at 704-637-3940 to register. The facility is closed Tuesday. If you call on Tuesday, Garwood suggests leaving a message, including your name and phone number, indicating that you plan to attend.
Abundant Living will provide free sitter service for persons with dementia so family members can attend.