March-April 2018 Caregiver Advisory Newsletter Planning Activities for People With Alzheimer s People with Alzheimer's disease benefit from being active and doing things they enjoy. They may need some help planning activities. Incorporate activities the person enjoys into your daily routine and try to do them at a similar time each day. The person can participate in the activity or just watch. Here are some tips to make activities enjoyable for a person with Alzheimer's: Match the activity with what the person with Alzheimer's can do. Choose activities that can be fun for everyone. Help the person get started. Decide if he or she can do the activity alone or needs help. Watch to see if the person gets frustrated. Make sure he or she feels successful and has fun. Let him or her watch if that is more enjoyable. Macon Memories Memory Café Special Events On March 12th, we will happily prepare for spring with our own version of Plant a Flower Day. We will celebrate Easter at our March 26th meeting. We will play Easter bingo and have assorted crafts. On April 9th, we will celebrate Name Yourself Day. If you don t like your name, use today to select a new name! Feeling overwhelmed with stress? Who you gonna call? STRESS BUSTERS! On April 23rd, we will be looking at fun stress reduction activities. Come prepared to laugh and get loose.. Visit our website for more ideas for activities to do with a person with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer s/dementia Caregivers Support Group May 15th, 2018 I am happy to announce that Michelle Ramlow from the Central Illinois Alzheimer s Association will be doing a presentation at our meeting on May 15th. The topic will be Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors. Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, as you know, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Please join us to learn how to identify common behavioral triggers, decode behavioral messages, and calm a person who is experiencing common behavior challenges. The program will last 1.5 hours, which includes time for questions and answers. This training will be open to the community, so please call to let me know if you plan on attending or respond directly to the number on the attached flyer. Rethink, Refresh, Recharge: A Half Day Learning Retreat Join the Alzeheimer s Association for an exciting event for caregivers coping with memory loss and or Alzheimer s disease. On Saturday, April 14th, the Alzheimer s Association will host a half day learning at Scheel s (classroom on 2nd floor) in Springfield. This is a free event that will offer many learning opportunities for caregivers. Strategize on your challenges and celebrate your successes Hear from and engage with expert speakers Learn creative and proven tips and caregiving strategies Gain new insights and perspectives from fellow caregivers Discover better ways to balance self-care and caregiving Recharge with some easy, fun and creative body and brain activities To reserve your seat, program materials, meal, and a free copy of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer s Caregiver by the Honorable Martin J. Schreiber, registration is required by April, 6, 2018. Space is limited! Register online or call 217-726-5184 today! http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/education/conferences.asp
Tuesday May 15, 2018 1:30 PM Macon County Health Department 1221 E Condit St. Decatur, IL phone or online 217-726-5184 alz.org/illinois
March-April 2018 Alzheimer s Association Caregiver Support Group 3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m. March 15th April 19th First Christian Church 3350 N. MacArthur Rd., Decatur, IL (217) 875-9436 Alzheimer s/dementia Caregiver Support Group 3rd Tuesday 1:30 p.m. March 20th April 17th Main Conference Room 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, IL Stroke Support Group 1st Thursday March 1st St Mary s Hospital 12:00-1:00 pm April 5th G18 Ground Floor For more information, contact Theresa Miller at 464-2981 or 464-5970 Macon Memories Memory Cafe 2nd & 4th Mondays March 12th Eagle Ridge of Decatur (lower level) 1:00 pm March 26th 875 W McKinley Ave, Decatur, IL April 9th April 24th Parkinson s Disease Support Group 3rd Thursday 1:30 p.m. March 15th April 19th Westminster Presbyterian Church 1360 W. Main St., Decatur, IL Contact John Kileen (217) 423-0691 Prostate Cancer Support Group 4th Tuesday March 27th Cancer Care Specialists (upper level) 4:30 p.m. April 24th 2884 N. Monroe, Decatur, IL Macon County Health Dept Caregiver Support Group 4th Tuesday 10:00 a.m. March 27th April 24th Main Conference Room 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, IL Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (or other relative caregivers) 2nd Wednesday 1:00 p.m. March 14th April 11th Main Conference Room 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, IL Life Builders Church of God 2nd Tuesday March 13th Life Builders Church of God Memory Cafe 10:00-11:30 am April 10th 833 W Pershing Road For further information call: Pastor Diane at 630-440-6573
Happy Easter!!! www.maconcountyhealth.org Starting Point Caregiver Advisory Services 1221 E. Condit Street Decatur, IL 62521-1405