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.”

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Marshalls supports Alzheimer’s Association efforts in fighting the disease

From March 2-15, Marshalls customers across the United States will have the opportunity to donate at checkout in support of the Alzheimer’s Association and its efforts to advance Alzheimer’s-related care, support and research. The campaign adds to the support that The TJX Companies, Inc., has shown in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease, and is part of a multi-year commitment to raise funds for care support and research programs.

Marshalls Supports the Fight against Alzheimer’s Disease

For the second consecutive year, Marshalls stores nationwide are getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Shoppers who visit a Marshalls store between March 2 – 15* can donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at checkout; in doing so, they will help support a vision for a world without Alzheimer’s. Since 2011, The TJX Companies, Inc. – the parent company of Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post in the U.S. – has been active in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. In 2013, the organization made a second multi-year pledge of $1 Million in recognition of the massive impact of Alzheimer’s disease worldwide. As part of the pledge, TJX also became a Presenting Sponsor of the Promise Garden, which serves as the emotional centerpiece of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events around the country.

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Workshop for healthcare professionals on March 6

The workshop, Dos and Don’ts of Alzheimer’s Care, is intended for professionals in the field of memory care, Alzheimer’s and the aging network will focus on how to provide the best care and support possible for individuals with memory loss and or Alzheimer’s disease.

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Honor people facing Alzheimer’s disease on The Longest Day

On The Longest Day®, teams around the world come together to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s with a day of activity. Held on the summer solstice, June 21, 2014, The Longest Day calls on participants to raise funds and awareness to help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Register now and show you’re in it until Alzheimer’s is finished.

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REGISTER NOW

Tuesday, March 11 from noon to 1 p.m. on Music Therapy At Home, On Your Own

Presenter: Joyce A. Benton, Director-Evergreen Place/Normal
Have you ever noticed when a certain song comes on the radio, it can transport you to a different time in your life, or completely change your mood? Music can touch every person in some way and can be a powerful tool when caring for someone with dementia. Let this session remind you of the simple ways to keep music in your life as well as those in your care.
Audio conferences are held the second Tuesday of every month. Click hereto register or call 309.662.8392. Once signed up, registrants will receive information and directions for the call.

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