Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s Caring and Coping Caregiver Workshop is a hopeful experience for family and professional caregivers for those facing Alzheimer’s disease.
Caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias often feel overwhelmed and alone. Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s upcoming Caring and Coping Workshop offers support and strategies for family and professional caregivers.
“It tells caregivers what to expect, what will be happening. The Caring and Coping Workshop will educate you how to handle what’s coming as the disease progresses,” says Bob Waikel of Sevierville who is caring for his wife of 59 years. “In addition to all of the resources, there is hope.”
Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. presents its “Caring & Coping” Caregiving Training Workshop in Sevierville 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 at LeConte Medical Center, 742 Middle Creek Road in Sevierville, Tenn. To register, call 865-544-6288 or go to www.alzTennessee.org.
“We want to reach out to the community, to the caregivers feeling overwhelmed,” says Waikel. “Come out and find out what’s available to help. We know you feel alone, but you are not alone.”
The experts presenting at the Caring and Coping Workshop coming to Sevier County will cover a range of topics vital to family and professional caregivers.
- Overview of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
- Managing Challenging Behaviors
- Meaningful Days and Memorable Moments
- Caring for the Caregiver
- Legal Issues Important to those facing Alzheimer’s
Presenter Cheryl Blanchard, LMSW is an experienced family counselor, interactive teacher, medical social worker, IOP counselor, dementia specialist and life coach. Cheryl is passionate about educating and supporting caregivers and those dealing with all forms of dementia. She has created a variety of education and care programs on caregiver stress and caring for a family member with dementia. Her approach encompasses all areas from care, to finances, to understanding behaviors.
Dr. Eric Hasemeier, DO, MBA, CMD specializes in post-acute care following a hospital stay as well as long term care. He is currently Medical director at the Memory Unit at Dominion Senior Care, and 3 local Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Units. He has worked in post-acute and long term care for more than 20 years and has dedicated his life to improving the quality of health care.
Certified Elder Law Attorney Monica Franklin will also address Caring and Coping participants on the important legal issue affecting those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Monica gives presentations regularly to the general public, attorneys and other professionals about elder law and has written numerous articles for Tennessee attorneys. She writes a quarterly column about elder law issues called “Senior Moments” which is published in the Tennessee Bar Journal. “I am passionate about working with our clients and their families, studying the ever changing public benefits law and educating professionals and the community about how elder law affects each of our lives,” says Franklin.
“This disease is about memory loss and so much more,” Linda Johnson, Alzheimer’s Tennessee Director of Programs, explained. “Our care partners need to understand that dementia impacts everything from how we think to what we say – even our sense of smell. Understanding such factors makes it easier to embrace strategies that make our helping more helpful.”
The Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. “Caring & Coping” workshops provide valuable practical training for family care partners, volunteers and professional care providers facing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The workshop will give participants a better understanding of the disease, its process and available treatments. Participants also will learn practical tips for caring for individuals with dementia while maintaining their own health and spirituality during the course of the disease.
Advance registration is required and seating is limited. Cost is $20 for family caregivers and $40 for healthcare professionals (CEU credits are available). The fee includes materials, lunch and refreshments. For more information or to sign up, call Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. at 865-544-6288 or visit www.alzTennessee.org.
