As demographics in Boulder County shift such that the percentage of us who are older adults increases, so too does the number who, in one way or another, are living with dementia. In response to this, community advocates and service providers are increasingly seeking to ensure that we embrace those affected, by providing programs that are supportive and meaningful. Along this vein, senior centers throughout the county are looking at what it means for a community to be Dementia-Friendly, meaning one that is educated about, and welcoming toward, those with dementia. The more we, as a community, can skillfully work with diseases of memory loss – the less those impacted, including family caregivers, are at risk at of isolation and other stressors.
Juliette Kershner
On Thursday, November 21, the Alzheimer’s Association, Boulder County, and Longmont Senior Center are offering Living Well with Dementia, an afternoon of programs providing hope and information for people living with dementia and their family care partners, with time between sessions for snacks, connecting, and checking out local resources. Register for one, two or all three sessions: The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, 1 -2 p.m., about the difference between normal age-related memory loss and dementia; Dementia Conversations: Q&A, 2:20 – 3:40 p.m., highlighting some of the more challenging conversations surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with break-out session for caregivers and people living with a diagnosis; and Transcending Dementia, 4 – 5, with a positive perspective on the value of looking more deeply at the person beyond the disease. This program is free, but pre-registration is required at 303-651-8411.
To learn more about Dementia Friendly programs in Boulder County, as well as classes and support groups for care partners of those with dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Assoc. at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org/co.
~ Juliette Kershner, Caregiver Initiative Coordinator, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org .