January - June 2008

All Family Matters seminars are free for family members and open to the public. 

Please call the office to register at

417-886-2199.

Part 1– Overview of Dementia: Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders
Dementia is a general term for a group of brain disorders. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 – 70% of cases. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will be discussed.

Wednesday, January 16: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm    

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: Pam Faille, N.P., Freeman Hospital

Thursday, January 17: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm      

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker:  Michael Whetstone, Ph.D., St. John’s Hospital

Part 2 - Is She On Too Many Medications?
Discusses the concerns and appropriate benefits of commonly prescribed medications in the care of the person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Wednesday, February 13: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: David Starrett, R.Ph., The Medicine Shoppe

Thursday, February 14: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker: Larry Jones, R.Ph., Cox North Pharmacy

Part 3 – Alzheimer’s Disease - Planning For Disability
Examining basic legal aspects concerning Alzheimer’s disease. Competency, durable power of attorney for health and finances, and estate planning are some of the subjects that will be presented.

Wednesday, March 5: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: Christopher Dumm, Attorney

Thursday, March 6: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker: R. Clancy Parks, Esq.

Part 4 – Safety First!
When caring for the person with dementia, having a safe and supportive home is an important concern. As the abilities of a person with dementia will change, you as the caregiver can learn to adapt the home to support these changes with some creativity, flexibility, and problem solving. Participants will also learn about wandering and Safe Return, as well as enrolling in this program at no charge.

Wednesday, April 16: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: Rob Hulstra, Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association

Thursday, April 17: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker: Rob Hulstra, Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association

Part 5 – Caregiver Stress 
“I just don’t have time to take care of myself.” Are you so overwhelmed by taking care of your loved one that you’ve neglected your own physical, mental, and emotional well being? We will be discussing the symptoms of caregiver stress and ten ways to be a healthy caregiver.

Wednesday, May 14: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker: Linda Dean, RN, Freeman Hospital

Thursday, May 15: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: Cynthia Zuch, MSW, LCSW, St. John’s Hospital

Part 6 – He Just Sits Around All Day
Activities can make the best of a person’s abilities. They can reduce agitation and improve a person’s mood. This program will explore the role of activities and structure for the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Includes information on options and suggestions that focus on the person’s remaining strengths.

Wednesday, June 11: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 3510 East 3rd Street, Joplin, MO
Speaker: Janice Anderson, Integrity HHA

Thursday, June 12: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s Association, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Speaker: Jennifer Velliquette & Julie Fitzsimmons, The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek