At least 5 million people in the U.S. live with dementia and as the population increases, the number is expected to rise. In other words, one out of every six women and one out of every 10 men older than 55 will develop dementia.
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be scary both for victims and family members. Learning how to cope, care for and connect to loved ones before receiving a diagnosis can greatly reduce the associated fear and anxiety. Your loved one will still be your loved one, but your relationship and how you care for your loved one will change along the way.
The Perry Lutheran Home’s next topic in the free AgingWell seminar series, “Caring for and Connecting with Someone Living with Dementia,” will include a dementia simulation, allowing attendees to experience and more fully understand the effects of the disease on the body and mind.
The seminar is ideal for adult children of elderly parents, in-home caregivers, seniors, family members and friends of loved ones with any stage dementia, pastors and anyone interested in volunteering in Perry Lutheran Home’s memory care communities.
Featured speaker will be the Perry Lutheran Home’s Chief Care Officer Deb Koelln. Koelln brings a wealth of knowledge of dementia-related diseases and care as a certified dementia practitioner and master trainer.
Koelln also leads a monthly Alzheimer’s support group in Perry for family members and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
This free and informative Lunch and Learn will take place at noon Tuesday, April 24 at the Perry Lutheran Home main campus second-floor chapel at 2323 Willis Ave. in Perry. To reserve your spot, contact Deb Koelln today at deb.koelln@perrylutheranhome.org or 515-465-5342.
For a list of upcoming Aging Well topics and dates, visit the Perry Lutheran Home website.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing at the Perry Lutheran Home.
