Teri Sellers
PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available for residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We meet twice a month, a breakfast social and a support group meeting. Our goal is to provide support and information to families that are caring for a loved one with dementia.
We have a very special meeting planned for March. Our guest presenter is Patty Prather, the Arts and Cultural Programmer for the City of Goodyear. She is going to share with us from her personal and professional experience activities for people with dementia and memory loss.
Patty Prather is a retired recreation therapist who worked with people with disabilities in community recreation settings for 30 years in the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, she moved back to Arizona to care for her mother who had a stroke and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Utilizing her skills as a recreation therapist, she was able to contribute to the quality of life for her mother as well as the residents of several group homes. She is currently the Arts and Culture Programmer for the City of Goodyear where she coordinates classes and workshops for individuals who are 55+. Patty is also a facilitator for Duet’s Westside Family Caregivers Support Group.
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia is on the rise, yet the cost of dementia care options continues to grow. For many, family caregiving becomes the most practical and cost-effective solution, at least for a time. Keeping the person you care for actively engaged in everyday activities and cognitively challenging tasks is beneficial for both body and mind and, in some cases, it can even slow the progression of the disease.
Come hear Patty talk about a list of tips and ideas for keeping dementia patients active and engaged through everyday activities, outings, cognitively challenging tasks, and social and emotional activities, many of which can be used throughout most of the stages of dementia. You’ll also find a few helpful tips for selecting activities that are appropriate based on your care partner’s interests, abilities, and other considerations.
If you are not a member of our group, it is easy to join. You are not alone. I want to share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Our support group is an excellent way to learn more about the journey that is dementia, and a wonderful way to meet others who are going through the same journey as you. Your information is always safe and confidential. The benefits are priceless. Please contact me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299 or [email protected].