The local dementia caregivers support group met at the usual time of 11:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at Barney’s Family Restaurant. (I was unable to attend as I had a health problem; but now I’m on the mend and doing very well).
Dr. Jeff Hardwig and Esther Gieschen, regional director for the Alzheimer’s Northern Minnesota area, presented a program. The project was sponsored by the Koochiching Council on Aging. The coordinators of the program are Leslee Loop and Doug Skrief. They worked on the project together. From what I have heard from many in attendance, this was very well attended and was so informative. As most of us know that this is a very tough trip to go through, especially if you don’t have family around. What is quite apparent in our town, and other areas, is most people will not ask for help. This is not good. The Koochiching Aging has a booklet out that gives families a wealth of information on services that are available to the asking. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Jeff Hardwig in our community, but he is so very busy and tough to get into. We do, however, have a lot of information available with Loop as aging coordinator and Skrief also knows of the options that are out there for families.
One controlled study showed that when caregivers are required to join a support group and have family counseling, they are less likely to have to place their spouses in nursing homes; particularly during the early stages of the disease when nursing home placement is generally least appropriate. In later stages, the Alzheimer’s units are where they should placed, where more care is appropriate for their needs.
The next meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at Barney’s Family Restaurant. Please feel free to come as all are welcomed. All family members are also welcome.
