Workshops help family members of all ages cope
Memory loss doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It doesn’t just affect individuals, but entire families and beyond. Abbie Vanderhyden knows this well. Pauline
Hamilton, Abbie’s great-grandmother, has dementia and rarely recognizes any of her family members.
Memory loss doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It doesn’t just affect individuals, but entire families and beyond. Abbie Vanderhyden knows this well. Pauline Hamilton, Abbie’s great-grandmother, has dementia and rarely recognizes any of her family members.
“It affects my relationship in that she doesn’t remember who I am, and also has a tendency to forget what we’re talking about mid-conversation. However, she has a great attitude and is very witty. She’s still very enjoyable to be around,” said Vanderhyden. “While I cope well with her lack of memory, some of my other family members take it a little harder. It’s really hard for her daughter, my grandmother, Elaine. It’s also hard for my mom and uncle, who are her grandchildren. They’re used to seeing her as the strong, independent woman they used to know.”
Seeing this dynamic first-hand prompted Vanderhyden to get involved with an upcoming workshop hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. The Family Learning Day will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 22 at The Pavilion of the City of Marion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 29 at Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook.
The event is geared to families, caregivers and friends of someone with memory loss and attendees will learn practical strategies to address everyday challenges faced by those coping with memory loss, discover support services and other resources in their communities and hear about future directions in Alzheimer’s care and research.
“My role at the upcoming family day is as a part of a Question-and-Answer panel and also as a co-leader for a group focused on educating kids as well as adults on what Alzheimer’s/dementia is and how to communicate with loved ones who have it,” Vanderhyden said. “I think it’s so important to volunteer for this cause because although a lot of people know what Alzheimer’s is, I’m not so sure they know how to communicate or act around those who have it. These individuals are the ones who could benefit the most from learning more about Alzheimer’s and what their loved ones are going through.”
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php