Dementia Awareness Education
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is hosting several upcoming events designed to educate area residents about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Each event is designed to offer local families the opportunity to learn about dozens of dementia-related programs, services, products, and resources – all in one location.
The Renaissance Centre is presenting these sessions in collaboration with Dementia Alliance of NC and Wake Forest SING as part of our commitment towards being a dementia-friendly community.
Schedule
**The following events have been paused due to COVID-19 . Check back for updates to the schedule soon.**
Sunshine Club: Music & Movement Class
We know music is a strong healer of patients with dementia related diseases and relief for their caregivers. This healing arts class will promote social interaction in a group setting, while encouraging physical exercise and sensory and memory stimulation. The program will induce memory recall through familiar music and promote movement-using dance. Limited space available for this class.
Community Education Workshops
So Your Family Member Has Been Diagnosed with Dementia, Now What?
Presenter Lisa Levine, Dementia Alliance of NC
Many times we get the news and are sent home with a basic “come back in six months”. Instead of being devastated, let’s talk through next steps and find the resources you need to start building your support team for the road ahead. Focusing on priorities and getting steps in place early sets the foundation for a smoother journey. Explore with Dementia Alliance how to develop a plan, educate yourself, know what to expect, and find support.
Types of Dementia : Is it Dementia? Is it Alzheimer’s? Is it Something Else?
Presenter Lisa Levine, Dementia Alliance of NC
The number one question asked of Dementia Alliance is “What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?” Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease aren’t the same. Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, performance of daily activities, and communication abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but it is by far the only one. This workshop will explore some of these different types, their similarities and differences, disease characteristics and specific care issues.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking, and behavior changes that interfere with daily living. Learn about common warning signs of Alzheimer's and what symptoms to look for in yourself and others, as well as tips to approach someone who is experiencing changes in their memory, the benefit of early detection and diagnosis, and more. Presenter is Peggy Best with the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern NC Chapter.
Caregiver Workshops
Safety Issues When Living with Dementia
Presenter Lisa Levine, Dementia Alliance of NC
Home safety is always an issue, but it multiplies when a diagnosis of dementia is present. This discussion with Dementia Alliance of North Carolina will examine possible safety concerns and ways to adapt the home to overcome them. In addition, we will look at the issue of wandering, the incidence and how to be prepared for that “it only takes once” moment.
Hands on Skills: Navigating Daily Care Needs When Living with Dementia
Presenter Lisa Levine, Dementia Alliance of NC
Most of us are not asked, “Do you want to be a caregiver?”. Instead, we often take on the role simply because there is no one else to do it. While we do what we can, there isn’t one specific course to take on how to give a bath or how to help someone brush their teeth when they don’t understand how to do it themselves anymore.
Caring for Ourselves: Coping Strategies for Caregivers
Presenter Lisa Levine, Dementia Alliance of NC
Learn about how stress affects caregivers, especially those caring for someone living with dementia. Explore practical ways to cope with and decrease stress on a daily basis.
Memory Cafe Renewing Memories Through Movies
Special opportunities for persons diagnosed with early stage memory loss and their care partner(s)/family to engage with peers in a relaxed, unstructured environment to enjoy some musical entertainment. The café atmosphere promotes social engagement and support through interaction with others experiencing similar lifestyle changes.
Memory Cafe - A Healing Arts Performance
Memory Café Renewing Memories Through Movies will be screening the 1951 film "Show Boat." A vivid and vibrant saga of riverboat lives and loves starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Marge and Gower Champion in Technicolor radiance, the film features timeless Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II songs and an equally timeless outcry against racial bigotry. Like Ol' Man River, its delights just keep rollin' along.
Admission is free and all ages welcome for this family event. Doors open at 2 p.m., and the movie begins at 2:15 p.m. Guests are welcome to come and go as necessary.
Know Before You Go
Each workshop is free, but anyone planning to attend must pre-register online.
Each session will feature a different speaker and include professional vendors that specialize in providing assistance to family members of people with dementia.
Presented by the Dementia Alliance of NC and the Senior Information & Networking Group (SING) of Wake Forest, these workshops offer local families the opportunity to learn about dozens of programs, services, products and resources – all in one location.
For more information, contact the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre at 919-435-9458.