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Caregiver’s Journey Conference Goes Virtual

COVID-19 poses huge challenges for anyone who cares for a loved one with dementia. How do you get support and respite in a time of necessary social distancing and isolation?

The Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter knows that “during this unprecedented time, no one should face Alzheimer’s or other dementia alone.” The organization has developed additional resources to support people living with dementia, their loved ones and caregivers.

The organization currently hosts over a dozen virtual support groups that can be accessed online or over the phone. Some groups offer general support by city or area; others have a special focus (LGBT, Early Stage, Young Onset, Couples, etc).

Everyone struggles sometimes with finding safe and enjoyable ways to pass the time. The Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter also has a great list of activities you can do with your loved one, including many that you may not have thought of, like virtual museum tours and adult coloring pages.

In addition to ongoing education and support, one major event is just around the corner!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Caregiver’s Journey Conference, which will be taking place virtually for the first time. The conference runs December 2 to 4th via Zoom (online or by phone).

Kudos to the Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter  and partner organizations for adapting this invaluable event to make it safe during the pandemic, a time when caregivers need support and empowerment more than ever.

The online conference includes virtual sessions for both caregivers/family members. Guest presenters will speak on a wide variety of topics, including:

• Creating Daily Moments of Success
• What If? Be prepared for emergencies
• Maximizing Mobility at Home: A Holistic Approach Designed for those with Cognitive Deficits
• Can Major Surgery Trigger Dementia?
• My family member has dementia: Helping kids maintain relationships with their loved ones
• Expressive Arts to Emphasize Nonpharmacological Approaches to Healthy Living with Dementia
• Clinical Trials: 101 Hope in Alzheimer’s Research
• Be An Empowered Caregiver
• Legal and Financial Forget Me Nots for Caregivers
• Occupational Therapy for the Cognitively Impaired Individual in the Home Care Setting

Built into the program is time for Q&A.

There are also two sessions in Spanish: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia and Effective Communication and Understanding Dementia Related Behaviors.