While caring for a loved one suffering from dementia, the caregiver may become overwhelmed, weary, isolated and unaware of local resources that are available for assistance with the continuum of health and mental deterioration that may occur.
“Dementia: Ways for Family and Caregivers to Monitor and Cope” will be presented by Rebekah Wilson, MSW, on Wednesday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at the Blount County Public Library. The program is co-sponsored by the library and the Blount County Office on Aging.
- The presentation will include discussion of these four objectives:
- Describe Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Discuss the usual progression and symptoms.
- Identify strategies to minimize common behavioral expressions
- Explore the benefits of pleasurable distractions and sensory stimulation
Rebekah Wilson, currently the Director of Education and Community Relations for Choices in Senior Care at Choices in Senior Care, has twelve years of experience in dementia care services including hospice and home health care, assisted living and geriatric care management.
In these arenas, she has used her specialties in teaching, community outreach, marketing, and developing innovative strategies for providing comfort care for individuals with dementia and support for their care partners. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences as a dementia care trainer in Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, behavior management, and other caregiving topics. She serves as a dementia care consultant and mentors staff and care partners in developing individualized non-pharmacological interventions and innovative care solutions.
“I have devoted my career to the mission of improving quality of life for individuals with dementia and supporting their caregivers,” says Wilson. “The favorite part of my job is having a real impact on the way that care is provided for individuals with dementia through education and training of care partners.”
One of the accomplishments Rebekah is most proud of is developing first ever support groups for caregivers impacted by Frontotemporal Dementia in the states of Arizona and Connecticut.
When Rebekah is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their English bulldog, Bettis, and cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
Open to the public, this program is hosted by the Blount County Public Library, located at 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, where services are an example of your tax dollars at work for you.
For further information about library programs or services, call the library at 982-0981 or visit the Web site at www.blountlibrary.org . To sign up to receive a monthly calendar by email, go to the library’s Home Page and type your email address in the box at the top right that says “Email for library news.”