HAMLET — The Alzheimer’s Association-Western Carolina Chapter, in partnership with the Hamlet Senior Center, is launching the Wonderful Wednesday Lecture Series, a multi-part education series throughout the year focused on Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and caregiving.
Currently, there are more than 369,000 caregivers in North Carolina providing care to more than 180,000 living with Alzheimer’s. In Richmond County there is a 12.2% Alzheimer’s disease prevalence rate in their age 65 and older population.
These monthly educational opportunities will feature information on topics including the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis, communication, living with dementia and caregiving techniques.
“Navigating the complexities of dementia is life-changing and leads to many questions,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Western Carolina Chapter. “We want individuals and families to know that they are not alone and that we are here for them from the beginning of a diagnosis and throughout their journey with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. We are grateful to the Hamlet Senior Center for providing the opportunity to bring this important education to Richmond County and surrounding areas.”
The first three programs in the series will begin in January:
“Know the 10 Warning Signs” — will take place on Wednesday, January 31 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.
“Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances” — will take place on Wednesday, February 7 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. For those facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, it’s never too early to put financial plans in place. Learn tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning.
“Effective Communication Strategies” — will take place on Wednesday, March 6 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Remaining programs in 2024 will include:
- Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors (April 10)
- Dementia Conversations (May 8)
- Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body (June 5)
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia (July 10)
- New Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatments (Aug. 7)
- The Empowered Caregiver Part 1 (Sept. 4)
- The Empowered Caregiver Part 2 (Oct. 2)
- Caregiving During the Holidays (Nov. 6)
Programs are open to the general public and individuals and families impacted by dementia. There is no charge to participate, but registration for programs is required for planning purposes. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. All programs will take place on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30, unless otherwise noted on registration page. To learn more and register visit tinyurl.com/HamletSeries or call the Hamlet Senior Center at 910-582-7985 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900.
