Swank Memory Care to offer symposium Oct. 6

Caring for someone with dementia is a task that is unlike helping someone with cancer or heart disease.

People whose memory and understanding are disappearing may be unable to relate in a normal way or remember the kindness of caring acts. They may be unable to show gratitude, control angry impulses, avoid risky behavior, or even recognize their caregivers. Caregivers often experience physical exhaustion, illness, and depression. While care within a residential facility may eventually become necessary, for many families this step may appear unaffordable or too drastic.

The good news is there are many resources available to help caregivers. Primary care physicians can be helpful in identifying resources such as home healthcare, adult day-care programs, the Alzheimer's Association, or an attorney knowledgeable about elder law. 

Another resource in Delaware is the Swank Memory Care Center at Christiana Care Health System, the state's first and only outpatient program dedicated to the evaluation and care of older adults with dementias. To introduce the resources available, Swank Memory Care Center is sponsoring a symposium from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 6, at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. 

Sussex County caregiver resources will be discussed by a panel of experts in home care, elder law, and other areas including recent national efforts to identify and assist an often-overlooked group of care providers: physicians with cognitive impairment. 

Registration for this conference, which is free, is preferred before Friday, Sept. 29. To register, visit www.planetreg.com/christianacaredementiacare2017.

Although dementia is a disease that impacts nearly every family in some way at some point in their lives, caregivers don’t have to deal with it alone. This conference will provide attendees with practical information to ease the burden of caring.