Workshop participants taking note.
Elaine Kushmaul, Speaker’s Series coordinator
On August 7, the Living Well at Robson Ranch HOA Committee sponsored a workshop for caregivers. It was a part of our speaker’s series, though unlike our usual one-hour lecture, this was a much bigger program. The doors opened at 9:00 a.m. for registrants to visit with providers of services for persons with memory problems and their caregivers.
The Village at Valley Creek has residential care but also provides day care to give caregivers a break when needed.
Several home health agencies were here to answer questions.
* Kind Companions provided much appreciated respite care during the workshop itself.
* Living Well Senior Care brought a baby seal robot to show us. It is known as PARO and is an advanced interactive therapeutic robot designed to stimulate patients with dementia.
* Unlimited Care of North Texas can provide care in the home or in a medical setting.
Other services such as assistance finding the right care for placement of a loved one can come from Senior Living Specialist. Caring Transitions is there to help make the transition happens in the easiest possible way.
Information and support are available by reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Association. They have a 24-hr. helpline. Another resource is the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging.
The Alzheimer’s Association helped with the Robson Ranch workshop by providing three excellent speakers.
* Nelly Garcia is a Certified Dementia Coach for Positive Approach to Care. She told us about working with families to improve their knowledge and therefore their approach towards their loved one.
* Kathlyn Stamm spoke from personal experience as well as her years as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association about effective communication. She currently facilitates a support group that meets at the Emily Fowler Branch of the Denton Public Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
* Amie Taggart Blaszczyk is a pharmacist specializing in geriatrics. She was able to explain the drugs currently in use for memory issues and answer many questions.
Robson Ranch catering provided delicious box lunches for our break at noon while we listened to the vendors tell us a little more about themselves and their services.
The program was well received by attendees. For ongoing support, we have a Caregiver’s Support Group that meets right here at Robson Ranch. They meet in the Robson Rance clubhouse on the second and fourth Tuesday from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Contact person is Barb Schmidt, 361-739-1864. You may leave a message.
Thanks for all the help from Shelbi Berg and my fellow Living Well committee members.