Monthly Workshops
Events
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Dementia Answers Monthly Workshop:
Caregivers Discussion and Support
PLEASE JOIN US EACH MONTH FOR A DIFFERENT TOPIC AND PRESENTATION
In our workshops Transitions and Dementia Educators, Stephanie Howard and Tami Anastasia will present an interactive event exploring challenges in caregiving. After Stephanie’s presentation, participants will address their concerns and learn as a group, gaining knowledge and support Our goal is to provide answers, resources and support to caregivers.
These monthly workshops have made my job a whole lot easier. I look forward to the community support each month.”
Details
Dates: Last Tuesday of the Month
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $25 (Package rates available)
Location: Campbell Community Center—1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell CA Building Q, Mary Campbell Room (#84)
Topics
NOVEMBER 26
Communication Snags, Hitches and Challenges
Why is communication so difficult? Why does she ask me the same question over and over? Why does he say such mean things? To lie or not to lie (prefabrication)? What is the 12 Inch Window and why does it matter? What can help to solve the challenges and make life together much less contentious?
DECEMBER
Cancelled
JANUARY 28, 2020
Caregivers New Year—Time for YOU!
Care partners give so much to others, but still need time for themselves to keep in balance. How does a care partner carve out time for themselves? Why is this so important? What are some resources to help? We will share tips and strategies that have worked for others, and suggestions for planning short and longer times of care for YOU.
FEBRUARY 25
Finding a Caregiver—Where do I Start?
Start with a list – what specifically do you need? What does your loved one need? Which is better, going through an agency or hiring a private caregiver? Why? We will offer suggestions on how to evaluate a potential caregiver and how to manage caregivers.
MARCH 31
Dealing with Caregiver Guilt, Stress and Burnout
Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia is a tough job and many caregivers feel guilt, stress and burnout. We will offer some ideas and tips to help alleviate these. There is help available to mitigate the negative and help you feel less guilt, stress and avoid burnout. We will also share with others in the group ‘what works’ and ‘how to’.
APRIL 28
Dementia Simulation—What Does it Feel Like to Live with Dementia?
This interesting, interactive experience will give you a good idea of the frustration and fear that many living with dementia feel every day. We will offer volunteers an opportunity to ‘suit up’ temporarily and try to do simple tasks when burdened with sensory deprivation that mimics the sensations of dementia.
After the simulation, we will discuss observations and feelings and how better understanding can make better caregivers.
MAY 26
Understanding Hospice—What it Means, How it Works, Support At Home
Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs. We will have representatives from three hospice organizations on hand to answer questions and provide information.
JUNE 30
The Journey—Understanding the Progression of Dementia and What to Expect
What is dementia and how does it progress? Caregivers and families can provide the best support by understanding the ‘journey’ as dementia goes from mild through to the late stages. Being prepared and understanding what is happening gives caregivers tools to manage the disease better, help their loved one better, and help themselves. Knowledge is a key component.
LIVE WORKSHOP FEATURED EDUCATORS
Stephanie Howard, Dementia Transition Educator
Stephanie has over 25 years of award winning excellence in resident care, program development and dementia education. She provides educational workshops specializing in dementia topics along with training and education for nurses, elder care professionals and families with conference presentations as well as personalized individual counseling and support.
For 48 years Stephanie loved and provided extensive home care for her son living with cognitive impairment. She understands firsthand the issues involved with caregivers in the home, medical management and the toll caring for a loved one can take on a family.
Stephanie is a Vietnam War Veteran, lives in San Jose and is an avid gardener.
Tami Anastasia MA
Tami Anastasia has dedicated her career to educating families caring for loved ones with dementia. She has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and is a dementia educator, an Alzheimer’s and dementia consultant and an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group facilitator. She is also a patient advocate and a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).
Tami’s goal is to help families caring for a loved one with dementia make this journey as loving, caring, compassionate and meaningful as possible. She provides emotional support, care strategies and guidance to family caregivers and professional caregivers. She also provides in-home assessments and cognitive and physical stimulation for people with dementia.
Previous Topics
- All About Hospice—Loss, Grief and Process