The Birches hosts dementia educational series for caregivers
Every day more than 15 million Americans face the challenge of caring for a loved one with memory loss. To provide information and support to these caregivers, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is hosting a dementia educational series which will take place on the third Wednesday of the month from February until May. Each program in the series will run from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at The Birches Assisted Living, 215 55th St. Clarendon Hills.
The series will kick off on February 18 with a presentation from psychotherapist and elder care specialist Sharon Boris, LCSW, MSW who will teach audience members how to recognize and cope with caregiver stress. In her presentation, Boris will provide tips for preventing the typical stressors a caregiver faces, as well as tools for managing stress once it hits.
On March 18, the series will continue with a presentation from Steve Hiemenz, RPh, MBA, owner of Elm Plaza Pharmacy in Hinsdale, who will discuss how to recognize pain in those with dementia and how to implement a pain management intervention. Hiemenz will also discuss which medications are associated with higher fall risks and how to prevent such occurrences.
On April 15, author and community educator Daniel Kuhn, MSW will teach caregivers how to cope with the emotional conflicts that arise while caring for a loved one with dementia. Because caregiving can be emotionally stressful, Kuhn will help audience members find emotional balance by coming to terms with the emotions they face daily in their role as a caregiver.
The series will wrap up on May 20 with a presentation by The Birches' Director of Encore and Memory Care Services Jackie Raschke who will teach caregivers to enjoy and value the precious time they have with their loved one, despite the challenges and stressors they face. Raschke will pull from her extensive professional dementia care experience to provide specific examples of how to support your loved one, encourage their growth, and help them live a purposeful life.
Programs in The Birches' Dementia Educational Series are free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register, call 630-581-7350.
The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.