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Dementia-related illnesses can impair a person’s senses and abilities to perform complex tasks—such as operating a firearm—safely, putting both their own safety and the safety of others at risk. However, the loss of independence in activities they've done for many years can be a challenging and emotional experience. This presentation will guide caregivers on how to handle these sensitive situations with respect, ensuring the safety of both themselves and their loved ones.

Take a look around your home with the future in mind. Are you able to safely access all areas in the kitchen for cooking your favorite meal? Can you easily exit and enter your home? Access your bedroom and bathroom? A home assessment is an important step to take as we age in order to minimize our fall risk, maintain our independence with activities of daily living, and remain in our home for as long as possible.

For a person living with dementia, living at home can give you a sense of independence. By making some changes to your home, you are able to continue with the routines or activities you enjoy. Each of these changes can help you stay safe, active, and allow you to continue to enjoy your home.

More than 70 percent of older people have experienced a psychologically traumatic event. Trauma-informed care is an under-utilized yet potentially beneficial approach to care for older adults in many settings. Learn more!

In the midst of the summer heat, it is crucial to highlight the significance of staying cool and hydrated, especially for older adults and individuals living with dementia. Here are a few tips to help keep older adults and those with dementia cool and comfortable this summer!

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey, in 2014, 2.6 million persons over age 65 were victims of identity theft. Learn more about how it happens, signs to look for, how to avoid financial abuse, and what to do next if it does happen to you.

It seems as though everyone makes New Year’s resolutions – eat healthy, clean out the house, exercise more, the list could go on and on. And despite our best intentions, these resolutions are usually out the window before we’ve even turned the calendar over to February. However, resolutions can be a great way to start off the New Year when you can keep them! Here are 5 resolutions for care partners that you can actually keep!

It’s important to gather as much information from your doctor as you can. Asking the right questions can help you navigate your appointments and this journey. Check out a neuropalliative specialist's recommended list of questions to ask your neurologist.

In the early stages some people are able to keep driving, but as memory and decision-making skills decline they need to stop. What makes this especially hard is that people with dementia often do not know they are having driving problems! Family and friends need to monitor the person’s driving ability to decide when it’s time to give up the keys. Learn more about driving assessments and other options to keep everyone safe on the road.

A big part of engaging in our programs is actually getting to the programs! You are of course welcome to provide your own transportation, but we know this may not work for every family situation. Here are a few door-to-door transportation options available in Northern Virginia to get here safely.

As we age, many will experience changes in balance and gait. When Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias are present, this can complicate things even further! Join us to learn more about balance and gait changes, along with ways to improve mobility at home!

Around 3 million LGBTQ+ adults are over age 50, and those that receive a dementia diagnosis face a particularly challenging set of circumstances. Many, including care partners, face disproportionately high levels of social isolation and stigmatization as they age, making it difficult to find support. Join us to learn about resources and safe supports.

Around 3 million LGBTQ+ adults are over age 50, and those that receive a dementia diagnosis face a particularly challenging set of circumstances. Many, including care partners, face disproportionately high levels of social isolation and stigmatization as they age, making it difficult to find support. Watch our recent webinar at take a look at the resource listing!

Health disparities can have a profound, negative effect on public health in the United States, entire populations and its individual communities. Dementia care and support services can vary widely depending on race, ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic and political factors. The ability for a person to get a timely diagnosis, manage the disease, and be able to access quality health care contributes to health disparities in dementia. How can we learn and support change?

Dementia care is not one size fits all. Each person, each stage, and each family is unique. Come and learn about multiple care options to plan and evaluate what is right for your family.

Make each day more successful! Learn tips and tricks for providing hands-on care for eating, dressing, bathing, hygiene and toileting.

Although LGBTQ+ older adults have clearly seen monumental change across their lifetimes and are often strong, determined, and resilient, many still struggle with complex feelings due to current and past experiences. When we take proactive steps to seek understanding, foster connection, and build trust slowly, we can make a huge impact on others and can create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals with dementia and their caregivers can feel safe and supported.

I recently had a dream that I was in my doctor's office being diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's. I couldn't believe it, no matter how many times my spouse and my doctor told me it was true. I was so shocked and scared...more for my family would endure than for what was happening to me. Most dreams I forget within a few minutes of waking up. But not this one...it really hit home.

Have you ever considered your brain health could be related to what you are putting on your fork? There is evidence suggesting Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases are highly influenced by diet, and are sometimes labeled Type 3 Diabetes. The mechanisms are elucidated in some research connecting diets high in sugar and processed food to inflammation which increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Many of us worry how seeing our grief affects our loved ones, especially as they may or may not still have the ability to process or comprehend the tragedy. It’s not possible to shield your loved one from everything all the time, so how can you best respond?

Seniors planning to age in place should have a plan for money management, home management, healthcare, meals, personal care and transportation. Volunteer transportation programs can be part of a plan to address transportation for non driving seniors as they age.

If you’ve had a loved one prone to wandering, you know how stressful this topic can be. The caregiver has to decide how much “freedom” a person with Alzheimer’s disease should have. At some point the person’s need to be safe will outweigh their diminished ability to decide where they want to go and when. Here are a few tips to ease wandering concerns.

We will discuss common dementias and general stages to help you anticipate future changes. Learn about the treatment of symptoms, current research, and clinical trials available.

What’s normal and when is it time to ask your doctor if it’s something more? Join us for a discussion on changes that occur with age, warning signs of a memory problem, and what to do if someone you love is experiencing symptoms of dementia.

With winter weather comes many things – a pretty dusting of snow, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and lots (and lots!) of indoor time. Freezing temperatures can easily make you go stir crazy, especially when trying to also care for and entertain a loved one with dementia. It’s easy to just default to watching TV all day, but by varying the types of activities you engage in, it really can still be the great indoors for everyone!