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Best Friends Approach 
Conversation Series
Understanding Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a role that can be very demanding - physically, emotionally, and financially - but you don't have to go it alone.  Our Family Education programs provide a wealth of information and support to help you do a better job.

Best Friends Approach™ to Alzheimer's Care
- for family and friends who are helping a loved one with dementia

  This workshop uses the metaphor of "friendship" to enhance our relationship with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.  Join other families to explore the day-to-day experience of caregiving and learn practical strategies for making things easier on you and your loved one.
Topics for this 5-hour workshop include:
  • Overview of dementia
  • Understanding the person behind the behavior
  • Improving communication
  • Enjoying shared activities
  • Finding and using community resources
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 US Route One, Scarborough
Trainer: Liz Weaver, Program Director, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Contact: Ann O'Sullivan, 396-6500
Pre-registration is required.
There is no charge for this program.

MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2008, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
SeniorsPlus, 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston
Trainer: Darlene Field, Education and Training Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Contact: Kathy Brill, 795-4010
Pre-registration is required.
There is no charge for this program.
Bring a bag lunch.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 US Route One, Scarborough
Trainer: Liz Weaver, Program Director, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Contact: Ann O'Sullivan, 396-6500
Pre-registration is required.
There is no charge for this program.

Conversation Series about Memory Loss and Dementia

    These programs are designed for families and friends of memory-impaired adults and feature local experts, with time for questions and audience participation. All sessions are open to the public and offered free of charge.  Newcomers may join at any time.

Auburn      

Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month
Place: Clover Health Care, Common Meeting
Room, 440 Minot Avenue, Auburn
Facilitator: Bonnie Iwans, LS, 784-3574
February 13  "Stages of Alzheimer's and What to Expect"
March 12  "Communication and Dealing with Difficult Behaviors"
April 19  "Medical Issues Concerning Memory Loss and Dementia"
May 14  "Legal and Financial Issues"
June 11  "Understanding Activities for Your Loved One"
July 9  "Hospice/End of Life Issues"

Bridgton  Time:  1:30 - 3:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month
 Place: 
Bridgton Community Center, Depot Street, Bridgton
 Facilitator: 
Oretta Baker, 647-8095
February 13 Taking Care of Business: Legal and Financial Issues
March 12 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease and What to Expect
April 9

Validation: The art  of meeting your loved ones where they are

May 14 What is it really llke to have Alzheimer's: The view from inside the disease with Donna Beveridge
June 11 Can We Talk: Communicating with Health Care Providers
   
Brunswick   Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm on the first Thursday of the month
Place: Mid-Coast Senior Health Center Community Room, 58 Baribeau Drive
Facilitator: David Currier, 443-9771
February 7 Forgetfulness, dementia, Alzheimer's disease: What's the difference?
March 6 Whole-Person Programming: What is it and how can you tell if your loved one is receiving it?
April 3 Honoring the Caregiving Journey: How to give great care without losing yourself in the process
May 1 The Conversation Continues...open forum for sharing
June 5 "I lost my friends with the Alzheimer's diagnosis": Staying Socially Connected

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South
Portland      

Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm on the second Monday of the month
Place: First Congregational Church on Meeting House Hill
Facilitators: Lori Axelson, MSW, and Liz Weaver, Alzheimer's Association

January 8 "Honoring the Caregiving Journey" (last Tuesday session)
February 11 Video presentation: "There is a Bridge"
March 10 What Shall I Do Today?:  Creating Real Life Experiences for People with Dementia
April 14 Bring your questions for the doctor:  An Evening with Dr. John Campbel, Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist, Maine Medical Center
May 12 Taking Care of Business: Legal and Financial Issues
June 9 Driving, Home Safety and Wandering
July 14 "It's Your Club Day": How to get your loved one to accept Adult Day Care and other community services
August 11 The conversation continues...open forum for sharing and discussion

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Topsham  Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm on the third Tuesday of the month.
Place: The Highlands, Holden Frost House, 24 Elm Street, Topsham
Facilitator: Lisa Secone, Life Enrichment Coordinator, The Highlands, 725-2650 x107
May 20 "The Conversation Continues...open forum for sharing and discussion"
June 17 "Finding Comfort as you Experience Loss" with Val Walker, Director of Bereavement Services, Chans Healthcare
July 15 "Yoga and Medication for Stress Management" with Sue Kelley
August 19 "Hospice and End of Life Issues" with Jeffrey Treadwell, Beacon Hospice
September 16 "Bring your questions for the doctor: An Evening with Dr. Thomas Hattan"


 Yarmouth   Time:  7:00pm - 8:30pm on the last Monday of the month.
 Place:  St. Bartholomew's Church at 396 Gilman Road
 Facilitators: Darlene Field, Education Specialist
January 28 Video Presentation: "There Is A Bridge"
February 25 "Honoring the Caregiving Journey" with Liz Weaver, Program Director, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
March 31 Bring  questions for the doctor: An Evening with Dr. John Campbell, Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist, Maine Medical Center 
April 28 "What Shall I Do Today?...Creating Real Life Experiences for People with Dementia"
May 19 The Conversation Continues...open forum for sharing and discussion
June 30 Taking Care of Business:  Legal and Financial Issues
July 28 "It's Your Club Day"... How to get your loved one to accept adult day care and other community services.
August 25 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease and What to Expect 

Understanding Dementia: A Workshop for Families and Friends

   

When you are caring for someone with dementia, how do you...

  • accomplish personal care?
  • make sure bills are paid?
  • provide for safety?
  • communicate?
  • cope with anger?
  • find help?
These are just a few of the issues Alzheimer's caregivers face every day.  This workshop will teach you practical strategies for providing care while making it easier on your loved one (and you!). Get answers to all of your questions.
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 9:00am - 2:00 pm (Bring a bag lunch)
Location: Alzheimer's Association, Chapter Office, 170 US Route One, Suite 140, Falmouth (enter thorough door J at back of building)
Facilitator: Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Date and Time: Part 1, Wednesday, March 12, 2008, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church Street, Bethel
Facilitator: Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine
Advance registration is appreciated. FMI or to register: 824-2053
Date and Time: Part 2, Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church Street, Bethel
Facilitator:
Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine
Advance registration is appreciated. FMI or to register: 824-2053
Date and Time:Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 9:00am - 2:00 pm (Bring a bag lunch)
Location: Alzheimer's Association, Chapter Office, 170 US Route One, Suite 140, Falmouth (enter thorough door J at back of building)
Facilitator: Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
Date and Time: Friday, June 6, 2008, 9:00am - 2:00 pm (Bring a bag lunch)
Location: First Congregational Church, 35 Church Street, Brewer
Facilitator:
Peg Gagnon, Information and Outreach Specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter

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Near the Journey's End 
This workshop, offered in two locations, is specifically for family caregivers of
people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Please join us as we
explore the special needs and services available as the disease progresses.
   
  • Understanding Dementia in the Later Stages                                                                  
       Darlene Field, LSW
       Education & Training Specialist
       Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
  • What is Hospice?
       Linda Hopkins, MD
       Bereavement Coordinator
       VNA Home Health & Hospice
  • How Can Hospice Help Me?
       Renee Nelson, LMSW, CC
       Beacon Hospice
  • Dealing with the Ongoing Loss
       Ann O'Sullivan, OTR/L
       Family Caregiver Specialist
       Southern Maine Agency on Aging

Cost: No cost, but advance registration is required.  
        (Professional caregivers may attend as space permits)
Time: Program from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Continental breakfast at 8:30 am.

Monday, December 10, 2007
Sentry Hill, 2 Victoria Court, York
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Alzheimer's Association, Chapter Office, 170 US Route One, Suite 140
(enter thorough door J at back of building)