Care Partner BlogDementia Webinar Series: Concearns About DrivingDementia Webinar Series: Concearns About Driving Dustin Abram, OTR/L, CDRS Join us for an informative session with Dustin Abram, an occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist, as we explore when and why driving evaluations are crucial for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia. Dustin will cover what to expect in a driving evaluation, how to obtain one, and key considerations for safety. There will also be time for questions to help address your specific concerns. View Past Webinars: https://bit.ly/dementiavideos To receive upcoming webinar notices, email Ashley.Elizabeth.Varner@emory.eduDebbie Arnold, LCSWNovember 13, 2024Read moreDementia Webinar Series: Navigating Medicare and Enrollment for 2024https://youtu.be/rKlkaHxI74c Join Anita Alvarez Richards as she explains Medicare and what you need to know for Open Enrollment. She’ll cover important topics like Medicare Part A and B, costs, and how to enroll. This session will focus on questions about changing your plan and saving money with low-income waivers. When: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92169139023 Webinar ID: 92169139023 Via Telephone: US: +1 (470) 381-2552 or +1 (470) 250-9358 All are welcome! This is appropriate for eligible for or wanting to learn more about Georgia Medicare. View Past Webinars: https://bit.ly/dementiavideos To receive upcoming webinar notices, email Ashley.Elizabeth.Varner@emory.eduDebbie Arnold, LCSWOctober 9, 2024Read moreHome Safety and Fall Prevention for Care PartnersLearn about fall prevention in the home for you and your loved one beyond the basics from CEP's Occupational Therapist, Maureen Burke.Maureen Burke, OTR/LSeptember 27, 2024Read moreSavvy Caregiver and Tele Savvy Caregiver OverviewSavvy Caregiver is recognized nationally as a leading evidence-based dementia family caregiver training program. Savvy programs are designed to provide the most relevant dementia knowledge, skills, and mastery to support family members as they provide care for their relative or friend living with dementia. Savvy Caregiver programs have been proven to decrease family caregiver distress, burden, and depression, while increasing caregivers’ sense of competence and confidence in their care role. Savvy Caregiver provides person-centered, active-learning programs in a variety of formats that integrate core principles and insights from gerontology, nursing, family systems, and occupational therapy. Families learn strategies to enhance their own self-care as well as day-to-day time with their person. With the vast majority of daily long-term care is provided by family members, Savvy Caregiver programs offer an array of programs across the U.S. Culturally-sensitive adaptations and translations continue to be developed and tested to serve families in diverse communities.Megan Nare, RYT 50August 14, 2024Read moreBenefits and Challenges of Family and Individual Therapy and MCIIn this video, we explore the benefits and challenges of seeking individual and family therapy for those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Learn how therapy can enhance coping skills, improve communication, and provide emotional support, while also understanding the potential barriers such as access, cost, and finding the right fit. This video offers valuable insights for both individuals with MCI and their families as they navigate their journey together.Megan Nare, RYT 50July 10, 2024Read moreRoom for Improvement: Communicating with Your PartnerDiscover effective communication strategies for care partners of individuals with mild cognitive impairment in this insightful video from a social worker at the Emory Brain Health Center. Learn practical tips to improve understanding, reduce frustration, and foster meaningful connections with your loved one as they navigate the challenges of MCI.Megan Nare, RYT 50June 12, 2024Read moreOverview of MCI and Dementia with Dr. LahJoin Dr. Lah from the Emory Brain Health Center for an insightful overview of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. In this video, Dr. Lah explains the differences between MCI and dementia, the progression of cognitive decline, and what it means for patients and their families. This session is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the early stages of cognitive impairment and the impact it can have on daily life.Megan Nare, RYT 50April 11, 2024Read moreSenior Living LandscapeEmory Dementia Webinar Series March 13, 2024 An Overview of the Senior Living Landscape with Jana Eplan and Melissa Benton from Senior Living Solutions. This presentation about senior living options will discuss: Different types of communities including Independent and Assisted Living, Personal Care Homes, and what is meant by “Memory Care. ” A range of costs for each of these and information about potential financial resources. What “Respite Care” is and who may benefit. When it’s time to talk seriously about a move and/or reach out to a placement expert.Debbie Arnold, LCSWApril 3, 2024Read moreDisaster Preparedness for Care PartnersThis guide, informed by care partners within Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers 4Kinds Network, addresses the unique challenges faced by caregivers and offers practical solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of both caregivers and their care recipients in the event of a disaster.Debbie Arnold, LCSWMarch 11, 2024Read moreEmory Cognitive Neurology Care Partner Education & Support Groups in 2024In 2024, CEP care partner monthly education sessions will be merging with Emory's Cognitive Neurology Care Partner groups. See below for a list of available education and skill building groups, webinars, and additional support groups.Debbie Arnold, LCSWJanuary 18, 2024Read moreHoliday Survival Guide for Care PartnersAs the holiday season approaches, many of us are gearing up for festive gatherings, joyous celebrations, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, for those navigating the role of a care partner to someone with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, the holidays can present unique challenges. In today's care partner connection session, we're going to have an open and honest conversation about how to navigate the holiday season as a care partner to a loved one with memory challenges. The holidays are a time filled with warmth and connection, but they can also bring added stress and complexity to those already on a caregiving journey. But before we jump in, a quick reminder: Every caregiving journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is finding strategies that resonate with you and your loved one.Debbie Arnold, LCSWDecember 13, 2023Read moreRoom for Improvement: Communicating with your Care PartnerCaring for someone diagnosed with memory loss, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease, can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. Effective communication strategies are essential for care partners in this situation. In this session of Care Partner Connections, we discuss the importance of empathy in communicating effectively , and how to identify and improve recurring communication "landmines."Suzette Binford, M.EdOctober 11, 2023Read moreIntroduction to Emory's Cognitive Neurology Social Work ServicesCheck out information shared at September's Care Partner Connections gathering. Alice Cooper, a social worker from Emory Neurology, shares the support available for CEP families at the Cognitive Neurology Center. Learn who to reach out to, when to reach out, and why these may be important for families in the program.Debbie Arnold, LCSWSeptember 13, 2023Read moreThe Savvy Caregiver TrainingAre you caring for someone living with Alzheimer's Disease or a related dementia? Savvy Caregiver is a leading evidence-based dementia family caregiver training program. Sign up today to learn more about this FREE program offered by the Georgia Memory Net. This program will be offered virtually.September 5, 2023Read moreCreative Communication Strategies for Care PartnersJoin CEP social worker, Debbie Arnold, to learn about stress management techniques for care partners and skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.Debbie Arnold, LCSWAugust 9, 2023Read moreAdvanced Care PlanningAdvanced care planning can help alleviate stress for care partners.Lindsay Prizer, PhD, MSW, LCSWJune 11, 2023Read moreCreative Communication Strategies for Care PartnersCEP's clinic liaison, Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Vyverberg, shares common symptoms of MCI and creative communication strategies that have worked for her patient's over the past 15 years at Emory neurology.Stephanie Vyverber, PhDMay 11, 2023Read moreWhat is a Geriatric Care Manager?As the needs of your loved one change, you may be wondering how to get more people on your care team. A geriatric care manager, usually a licensed nurse or social worker who specializes in geriatrics, is a sort of "professional relative" who can help you and your family to identify needs and find ways to meet your needs. These specially trained professionals can help find resources to make your daily life easier. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the services you need. Geriatric care managers can be especially helpful when family members live far apart. If asked, they will check in with you from time to time to make sure your needs haven't changed. What Do Geriatric Care Managers Do? Geriatric care managers: Discuss difficult topics and complex issues Make home visits and suggest needed services Address emotional concerns Make short- and long-term plans Evaluate in-home care needs Select care personnel Coordinate medical services Evaluate other living arrangements Provide caregiver stress reliefLindsay Prizer, PhD, MSW, LCSWApril 12, 2023Read moreAmbigious LossAmbiguous loss and grief in dementia: A resource for individuals and families This resource is meant primarily to help you, as a caregiver, gain a better understanding of how loss and grief can affect you and the person with dementia. It also provides valuable information to help people with dementia deal with their own losses and grief, and live as well as possible with the disease. In addition, you will find useful strategies and tips to: • Help you cope with multiple losses and grief • Stay connected to the person with dementia • Remain healthy and resilient through the progression of the disease Loss and grief are among the most significant and challenging issues you will face as a caregiver when supporting a person with dementia. Dementia is a fatal, progressive and degenerative disease that destroys brain cells. Whether you are caring for your spouse, your parent or a friend with dementia, you may experience losses and grief in different ways at all stages in the dementia caregiving journey. As a caregiver, you may grieve: • The loss of your dreams and plans for the future • The loss of a confidant and partner • The loss of shared roles and responsibilities • The progressive losses in the life of the person with dementia The ambiguous loss that you may feel caring for a person with dementia can make the caregiving experience even harder. Fortunately, understanding loss and grief can help to ease the effects of the disease.Lindsay Prizer, PhD, MSW, LCSWMarch 15, 2023Read moreSex and MCIOften times, talking about sex can seem taboo. Some people have a hard time expressing their wants and needs, and there is also a lot of ageism in the healthcare field. Break the stigma! Empower yourself with information. Join Dr. Lindsey Prizer to talk about sex and dementia, common fears, facts, and tips.Lindsay Prizer, PhD, MSW, LCSWFebruary 16, 2023Read more
