Alzheimer's Association - find workshops, social events and more in your area
VIEW THE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Find workshops, social events and more in your area, Including in-person Alzheimer’s education workshops like Caregiver College, Brain Bus and more here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xkOBz_nnP1NcyGv6tm_CXbfgBbx8AmDc_0sAm1yuwtY/edit#gid=0.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE FINDER
Search for resources and more through the Community Resource Finder. Find additional resources and programs within your area here: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org.
ACTIVITIES: ENGAGEMENT HELP IN DEMENTIA CARE
By Stefanie Wardlow, Senior Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association
A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, regardless of the stage, can participate in and enjoy activities. Because the person with dementia may withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed, it is important to help with engagement. Having an open discussion around any concerns and making slight adjustments can make a difference. For example, a large social gathering may be overwhelming, but the person may be able to interact more successfully in smaller groups or in one-on-one situations. Learn more about this topic here: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities.
Remember that an active lifestyle can:
Enhance self-esteem.
Structure time.
Provide a sense of engagement, usefulness, accomplishment and dignity.
Create feelings of security and togetherness.
Reduce behavior such as wandering.
Art is certainly one type of activity to consider. To be successful, consider the person 's current abilities, preferences, and feasibility in their current living space. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self-expression. Learn more about art and music in dementia care here: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music.
Consider music, a powerful tool that can improve mood throughout the lifespan. Music may reduce agitation and enhance positive behaviors. Music can even benefit a person in the later stages of the disease. Think about musical preferences from different time periods of your loved one’s life. For example, a person in the early stages may enjoy recent music. Once memories are lost, music from their past may be more engaging. Learn more about art and music in dementia care here: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music.
Further, for more activity ideas, join ALZConnected at this link: https://www.alzconnected.org/, our message boards and online support community, where every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.
Or join a local support group, go to Community Resource Finder to find a group close to you: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/.
10 Tips for Activities at Home
1. Be flexible and patient.
2. Encourage involvement in daily life.
3. Avoid correcting the person.
4. Help the person remain as independent as possible.
5. Offer opportunities to make choices.
6. Simplify instructions.
7. Establish a familiar routine.
8. Respond to the person’s feelings.
9. Simplify, structure and supervise.
10. Provide encouragement and support.
Learning Objectives
Discover the 10 warning signs.
Learn the steps to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Learn tips to connect with someone you suspect may have cognitive impairment.
Learn about the Area Agencies on Aging and their Aging Disability Resource Centers.
Learn about the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative.
Learn about the Memory Disorder Clinics in Florida.
Additional Resources
Elder Affairs
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
Dementia Care & Cure Initiative (DCCI)
Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI)
Alzheimer's Disease Advisory Committee Annual Report
Caregiver Toolkit
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Resource Guide
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP DIRECTORY
Attend a support group to share ideas and learn from others like yourself. To find a support group to fit your needs, call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or learn more here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gyv-zC-3L3uIi6p0YBQBKxE2MMYvJH4W/view.
ALZ STARS PROGRAM
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Alzheimer's Association Florida chapters have developed the ALZ STARS program, a joint initiative to bring increased awareness of dementia and the resources available to Floridians. Learn the signs, know the resources and make a difference. Watch a short video and answer a few questions to earn your ALZ STARS certificate: https://alzprogramsanytime.org/alz-stars/.
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ABOUT THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, with the mission of leading the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Brain Bus is funded in partnership with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Caregiver College is sponsored in part by Senior Connection Center, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Elder Affairs and Sarasota County Government.
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Ste. 709, Clearwater, FL 33762, website www.alz.org/flgulfcoast, phone (727) 578-2558.
Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, website www.alz.org, phone (800) 272-3900.