Calendar

We offer several educational programs for families and individuals facing Alzheimer’s, as well as community members. Most of these programs, described below, are free of charge.

Early Stage Programs

A six-part series to provide support and information to persons experiencing mild memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. Persons who are experiencing forgetfulness, confusion, or difficulty finding the right words are most likely to benefit from this program. The person who is experiencing memory loss is encouraged to invite one or more family member or friend to attend with him or her. Topics to be discussed include memory loss; legal and financial concerns; everyday coping skills; building a support system; and hope for the future. Due to the format of this program, participants are requested to pre-register.

Toledo
2nd Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
and
last Thursday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association office
2500 North Reynolds Road
for more information and to register, call Cheryl Conley at 419-537-1999 or 1-800-272-3900.

Lima
second Tuesday of the month
from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Market St. Presbyterian Church
1100 West Market St. (2nd floor, Room 209)
please use side entrance with awning
for more information and to register, call Linda Pollitz at 419-227-9700.

Defiance *new group*
Monday, December 10
and beginning in January, the 4th Monday of every month
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Defiance Regional Medical Center, Maumee room
1200 Ralston Ave.
For more information and to register, call Linda Pollitz at 419-227-9700.

This workshop will provide information about memory loss and the “early stage” of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Persons experiencing mild impairment and those newly diagnosed are especially encouraged to attend.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, offers educational programs on a regular rotating basis throughout our 24-county service area. These programs are offered free of charge to individuals with memory loss, their family members, and friends. The following is a listing of family and public education programs offered at the present time. Registration is strongly suggested, as programs may be cancelled due to low registration.

For a current schedule of Family Education Programs click here

This program will include information all caregivers and interested persons need to know about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Topics include an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms, incidence of dementia, the diagnostic assessment, stages and disease progression, risk factors, overview of medications and treatments available, current research, and community services.

For caregivers, this two-part program will cover such topics as late stage disease symptoms, practical caregiving techniques, guilt, grief, ethical and medical decisions, placement options, what to look for in a nursing home setting, and community resources. An RN/HOSPICE professional will participate in these programs.

This two week program for caregivers will cover different topics each week, such as advanced stage symptoms and signs, practical hands-on caregiving hints, dietary, skin, digestive issues, caregiver grief, home and long term care options, hospice and related medical and ethical issues.

Do you have questions about medications and treatments for memory loss? Information about prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs and how they interact with each other will be provided. Herbals, vitamins and minerals, and other complementary therapies that are relevant to Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed.

A program for caregivers where gentle, effective methods of relaxation techniques and stress management will be experienced. Music used in a therapeutic method, yoga, and imagery are ancient techniques, which can be adapted to your situation. Learn to utilize one or all techniques and perhaps share with a person with memory loss. 

This program gives families the tools to help explain dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory loss issues to children, and to help the children deal with their feelings. Topics to be discussed include: definitions of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; behavior and personality changes that may occur in the person with memory loss; and positive ways for children to interact with and support persons with memory loss. Intergenerational activities will be suggested. Resources, films and books will be available. This program can be offered in two groups meeting concurrently for children and adults. Registration is required. 

This Academy Award nominated film documents a mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and her daughter’s response to the changes in her mother. An authentic chronicle, this film is informative, entertaining and presented with profound insight and a dose of humor. Families dealing with dementia or behavioral symptoms, or considering placement in a long-term facility will want to see this film. A discussion will follow the film viewing. 

This program provides a review and update on diseases that cause dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia, Diffuse Lewy Body disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multi-infarct dementia (MID), Huntington’s disease and Creutzfeldt-Jabcob disease (CJD). A local geriatric physician will discuss symptoms, progression of the diseases, and treatments available at the present time. 

A basic educational series for caregivers or families of persons with memory loss, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, this program will address different, but related topics each week. (Due to the format, we suggest that caregivers attend each session.) Topics will include: the basics of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, obtaining a diagnosis, symptoms, risk factors and treatments, challenging behaviors and moods, financial and legal issues, Medicare and Medicaid questions, community resources and how to use them, home care, and information on nursing homes and other options. A local attorney will guest present in the financial/legal segment.

Three caregivers – a son, a spouse, and a daughter – openly share their experiences as caregivers and talk about their frustrations and the realities they face day-to-day in “He’s Doing This to Spite Me.” There are also integrated comments and guidance from dementia care professionals. A caregiver group discussion regarding the film and challenging behaviors will follow.

A program where husbands, sons, grandsons, friends and others who care for persons with memory loss meet to examine and discuss their special concerns. A male facilitator will guide discussion topics, such as personal care, emotional changes, changing roles, and intimacy in the caregiving relationship.

Participants will discuss how dementia progression and behaviors can influence adaptations and changes in the home. Each room and the outside environment will be reviewed with an eye for security and comfort. Products that are available for convenience and security will also be reviewed.

Learn about Medicare, Medicaid, insurance supplementals, trusts, guardianships, and the importance of Durable Powers of Attorney and Living Wills in your plans for today and tomorrow.

If you or someone else has memory changes, there are many questions. What are normal changes with aging, which are not? How do we adjust to the changes? How can we be most helpful to someone experiencing changes? These questions, and more, will be discussed.

In the 100 years since Alzheimer’s disease was first described there has been great change in our understanding of the science of the disease, how it affects people, and the possibilities for prevention and treatment in the future. This session is open to professionals, students, persons with memory loss, family members and other interested persons.

Increasing evidence shows that healthy lifestyle habits, such as being heart smart, being physically and mentally active, eating a healthy diet and staying socially involved, contribute to healthy aging and may decrease risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

This workshop will focus on simple lifestyle modification which may have an impact on the individual’s health.

It is common knowledge that being a caregiver can be very stressful. Viewing caregiving from a holistic, positive viewpoint, we will discuss guilt and grief issues, recognizing and coping with stress, and exploring practical methods of relaxation and stress management.

If you would like to learn more, or are concerned about your own or someone else’s memory, this program will interest you. We will explore forgetfulness and “memory lapses,” with examples of memory changes that are part of the normal aging process and memory changes that are not. Factors that can affect memory, treatable causes of memory loss, and techniques to maintain and improve memories will also be discussed.

We will discuss nutritional needs throughout the stages of dementia, in addition to food preferences, strategies for eating and swallowing, and modifying food textures. A clinical dietician will participate.  There will be a question and answer period following the presentation.

This workshop is for caregivers and persons with memory loss. Learn strategies and practical methods to enhance visits with the physician, what to take to the visit and what questions to ask in order that maximum benefit is gained from the appointment for all parties involved.

This is an informative program which discusses legal and financial planning for individuals who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and applying for Medicaid will be reviewed.

The holidays are filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing and memories, but expectations and responsibilities can be overwhelming for caregivers. Participants in this group will learn stress management techniques and practical suggestions for maximum enjoyment of holiday festivities.

An opportunity for a variety of people who are affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to reflect upon and discuss the possible life meanings we can make of this experience. This session is open to family members, persons with memory loss, professionals, pastoral care providers, students and other interested persons.

Learn about the importance of humor, laughter, and spirituality to maintain health and wellness for both the caregiver and the person with memory loss. Our guest speakers will provide practical “how to” tips for daily use in maintaining our spiritual selves and encouraging us to laugh often. 

This program is an update on what researchers are learning about Alzheimer’s disease that is having an impact on treating dementia. We will discuss medications, what scientists are learning about the disease, up and coming therapies and information about clinical trials.

Because of the brain’s physical changes in Alzheimer’s disease, communication abilities also change. Sometimes these changes are difficult for families to accept. This program will offer information on the stages and symptoms of the disease, with practical day-by-day tips for caregivers to enhance communication. 

Learn why difficult behaviors may occur in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and how to deal with them from a medical,  interpersonal, and environmental perspective. Our guest speaker will offer examples of challenging behaviors, possible meanings behind them, and discuss caregiver interventions. 

This program will focus on understanding behaviors that occur with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Strategies and tips for understanding causes of behaviors, environmental factors, and effective communication will be discussed.

This series is for caregivers and families who want to learn more about dementia and caring for someone with memory loss. Offered will be a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, dealing with challenging behaviors, legal and financial information related to dementia and community services available.

This program will first look at memory changes that are part of the normal aging process and memory changes that are not. We will then discuss ways to better communicate and interact with individuals who are experiencing memory loss.

Learn about recent studies and advances in Alzheimer’s disease research, such as Statins, NSAID’S, PET, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Ask about currently available medications and complementary treatments, new medications, how they compare and contrast, and what treatments are foreseen for the future. A local geriatric physician will present this program. 

This panel discussion will offer helpful information on topics, such as when optional care is needed; when to start looking for long-term care; payment choices; resident and consumer rights; admission day; visiting strategies; how to stay involved; and more.   

Join us for an informational and supportive presentation on how feelings of guilt, grief, loss, and bereavement affect us in our daily living. We will learn how to recognize these feelings, and talk about how to work with and manage feelings both during and following active caregiving.

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For a current schedule of Family Education Programs click here

For more information on Family Education Programs, please contact the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 1-800-272-3900.