This October, Youville Place in Lexington and Youville House in Cambridge will host a special series, A New Normal: Coming to Terms with a Loved One’s Dementia. This series is intended primarily for the close friends and family of those struggling with memory impairment, cognitive decline and other effects of dementia. How can we continue to play a meaningful role in the life of a parent or spouse experiencing these profound changes? Guest speakers will tackle the subject from a variety of perspectives, but the central focus will be on improving our understanding of the effects of dementia on the ones we love.
The series is open to the public and free of charge. It begins on October 8 with a presentation from Beth Soltzberg and Joanne Peskowitz from Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Other presenters include Mal Allard, Alzheimer’s Specialist and Program Director of the Courtyard at Youville Place (pending EOEA approval); and Susan Rowlett and Mary Lang from the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Youville welcomes the community and encourages attendance at any or all of the presentations. For more details on each program, visit Youville’s web-site: www.youvilleassistedliving.org
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In Lexington:
Youville Place Assisted Living Residence
10 Pelham Rd., Lexington
Dates: Tuesday, October 8; Tuesday, October 29; Tuesday, October 22
In Cambridge:
Youville House Assisted Living Residence
1573 Cambridge St., Cambridge
Dates: Thursday, October 17
Each session begins at 5:30 PM. Please RSVP as space is limited: lisayarin@youvillehouse.org or call Lisa, 857-253-2016.
Tuesday, October 8 – Youville Place in Lexington
The Top Ten Truths for Adults Coping with a Parent’s Dementia
Beth Soltzberg and Joanne Peskowitz, Jewish Family & Children’s Service
In this presentation designed for adult children, Beth Soltzberg and Joanne Peskowitz elaborate on the practical and emotional aspects of coping with a parent's dementia. They explore ways that family structure and coping style affect the caregiving experience. Caregivers will learn tips for maintaining their own well-being, deciding when to step in and when to let go, and learning how to share more meaningful experiences with their loved ones. An open discussion will follow the presentation.
Thursday, October 17 – Youville House in Cambridge
Tuesday, October 29 – Youville Place in Lexington
Got Confusion!? Memory Loss – How Does That Feel?
Mal Allard, Alzheimer's Specialist, Director of Their Real World, Program Director of The Courtyard at Youville Place*
This presentation will address the confusion in the minds of those with memory impairment. Mal Allard will discuss the "whys" of the confusion and explain how we can improve as caregivers by embracing confusion, using humor and focusing on positive emotions. Participants will learn strategies for entering the world of dementia and asking "How would I feel if it were me?" Presentation includes a lecture, handouts and a Q & A session.
*The Courtyard at Youville Place is pending EOEA approval.
Tuesday, October 22 – Youville Place in Lexington
Beyond Coping - Spirituality and Alzheimer's Caregiving
Susan Rowlett and Mary Lang, Alzheimer's Association
The feeling of loss and sadness that accompanies a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can also be the first step of a spiritual journey, creating an opportunity to open one's heart. In every tradition, spirituality means recognizing and incorporating something greater than oneself into daily life. This often results in an experience of love and compassion beyond what we may have had access to previously. Join Susan and Mary as they explore the ways that coping with a loved one's dementia can help us become more open and loving.
Youville House and Youville Place Assisted Living Residences are nonprofit and sponsored by Covenant Health Systems. Youville Place, located close to Lexington center, and Youville House, located in the heart of Cambridge, have provided values-based assisted living services to the community for over fourteen years. Offering both short and long term residence, combined with services, Youville communities provide a unique combination of comfort and social support. Seniors enjoy residence in an energetic community and benefit from support services including prepared meals, housekeeping and personal care.
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For more information about Youville House or Youville Place, contact
Dinah Olanoff, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at 617-491-1234, info@youvilleassistedliving.org, or visit www.youvilleassistedliving.org