Benefits of Physical Therapy for Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients

Rayma Scalzo

If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, you are invited to attend our Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group on Saturday, August 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

We are going to have a special presentation on the benefits of physical therapy for those having Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Our guest speaker will be Celeste Delap, PT, DPT, LSVT BIG certified for treatment of Parkinson’s. She has a vast experience treating a wide range of vestibular disorders, gait, balance and functional disorders.

Celeste will talk about how therapy can help people with dementia as well as the importance and roll of caregivers in that treatment. Physical therapy helps a wide range of problems. She will explain what tests and measures are performed during an evaluation and why. There are multiple issues that can be addressed including strength, fall risk, balance and function. She will also give resources for understanding Medicare and what direct access means for physical therapy.

Following the presentation our time will be spent with members asking questions or sharing experiences. Our 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.

Respite Care

We may be able to provide free respite care for those having Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. This allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group meeting. If you let us know, we will try to arrange for someone to come to your home during the two hour meeting. For this assistance, we do ask that you RSVP by Thursday, August 18.

Monthly Breakfast

The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This gives them 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 the location of the Caregiver group meeting or to RSVP for respite care, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].