Rayma Scalzo
Our Alzheimer/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group is fortunate to have a special presentation by Judy Towne Jennings on Saturday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m. She will speak about her caregiving experiences and her book, Lewy Body Dementia, One Caregiver’s Personal In-Depth Experience.
In 2003, Judy’s husband became forgetful and unable to do the math computations at his job that he had easily done for 40 years. Two years later his walking pattern changed and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In 2008 he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and from then on needed extensive caregiving until his death in 2010.
Being research minded, Judy charted his health status and kept extensive notes throughout the course of his disease. After he passed, she spent two years putting her notes into a book format. Her inspired efforts created a guidebook to help other caregivers understand how to make the best out of a devastating situation.
All aspects of their life together during the LBD years have been chronicled: the humor, the successes, the failures, what worked and what did not. This is a book to help other caregivers take their lives and the lives of their loved ones back from a nasty disease. Judy wants all people to understand the value of humor and positive attitudes in whatever situation they may be experiencing. And that ice cream has powerful magic!
Please note: Lewy Body Dementia is a disease that resembles Alzheimer’s and is one of several forms of dementia. The challenges that caregivers of all those having dementia are similar.
Our discussion group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out-of-state. Our meeting time is divided into two parts. The first hour is for the speaker presentation. The second hour is spent with members asking questions or sharing experiences. Everything said during the meeting is confidential.
We have another group, The Saturday Group that provides respite care for those having Alzheimer/Dementia disease. It meets at the same time at a nearby location. This group allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group. If your loved one is unable to participate in such a group, we may be able to arrange for someone to come to your house during the two hour meeting. Please RSVP by Thursday, January 14 for this special group.
Monthly breakfast: The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month. This gives the caregivers an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey is very beneficial.
For more information and location of these activities, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].