Join Dementia-Friendly Tempe For New Educational Programs

Tempe AZ

19 April, 2021

11:40 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Tempe: April 19, 2021 Dementia Friendly Tempe is supporting families, caregivers and members of the community with three new educational webinars and a special session designed to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. The first webinar in the series, Helping Families Navigate the Alzheimer's Journey, is Wednesday, April 14. The virtual Dementia Friends session for community members is April 28. All events this spring are free and open to anyone seeking support, education and resources related to memory loss conditions. The City of Tempe is proud to be the first Dementia Friendly city in Arizona. Dementia Friendly Tempe (DFT), a program of the city's Human Services Department, offers a full range of programs for those with memory loss conditions, their families and caregivers. All programming is being offered virtually during the pandemic. DFT Presents is a monthly education series designed to provide support and raise awareness. The series is offered on the second Wednesday of each month, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. The spring series includes: • April 14 - It's Not That Simple: Helping Families Navigate the Alzheimer's Journey with Pam Ostrowski, author, speaker and caregiver mentor. Are you ready to have the difficult conversations and make tough decisions regarding the dementia journey? From driving and living alone to getting care help, moving to residential care, and discussing end of life decisions, Ostrowski shares her journey and lessons learned to support caregivers in making these tough decisions. • May 12 - Finding Meaning and Hope as a Family Caregiver with Ann Wheat, Executive Director Duet Partners in Heath and Aging. You know how challenging it can be caring for the person you love. And if you are feeling exhausted and discouraged, this session is for you. During this session, caregivers will learn strategies to reduce their stress and find more effective ways to cope. • June 9 - What Every Caregiver Needs to Know about Legal and Financial Planning with Marsha Goodman, certified elder law attorney. From medical and financial healthcare powers of attorney to figuring out how to pay for care, these decisions are crucial for both the person living with dementia and their family caregivers. This session will outline important information you need to know to address both legal and financial concerns. Dementia Friendly Tempe offers a wide range of programs for families, caregivers and those with memory loss conditions. tempe.gov/DFT Additionally, the community is invited to participate in the Dementia Friends special session with Jan Dougherty, a nursing expert and leader in dementia care, from 1-2 p.m. April 28. During this interactive session, participants will learn what dementia looks like and how it affects peoples' lives. It aims to transform the way communities think, talk and act toward those affected. Strategies for improved and successful communication will be shared. Dementia Friends is a global movement that seeks to help everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people. Through periodic trainings, participants have a better understanding about how each of us can make a difference in the lives of people touched by dementia in a meaningful way. Events are free but registration is required at https://agefriendlytempe.eventbrite.com or call 480-594-7442. Learn more about all DFT programs at tempe.gov/DFT. Register Today! This press release was produced by the City of Tempe. The views expressed here are the author's own.