| Many of you know me as the sunny good time, put-a-spin-on-it dementia gal. But trust me, I can be as overwhelmed with the diagnosis, or vaguaries there of, as the next person. I benefit from showing up like the sun, even when I do not feel sunny. This journey is not for the weak. I will be addressing the “Dark Side of Dementia” this Weds, Oct 23 at Arden Courts of Seminole. This seminar will give you with real strategies that can help shine light on the fading of our husbands, our parents or our friends.As a Gerontologist, I am unique in that I bring not only 40+ years of experience working with individuals with dementia and their families, but because I have worked within the many systems our society has to support the journey. From companion, home health, nurse’s aide, skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and adult day—I have a breadth of knowledge and comfort that I can share with you.And then there are the degrees–a Master’s in Death and Dying from Hood College, and a PhD in Aging Studies from USF. Today I count my vineyard as full because of the opportunities provided for me to share my knowledge through Arden Courts this Weds.I am totally psyched about the Harvesting Memories workshop that will provide caregivers with a fun and encouraging morning of creativity and engagement. I am happily creating the first CATE holiday engagement book that is free to attendees. All because of the generosity of our sponsors: Anderson McQueen, Assisting Hands, Prudential, Touching Hearts, Arden Courts, Fusion Health, Griswold Homecare, and Care Patrol.Memory friends and family–our vineyard of resources is full—but can only stay full with your participation. Please RSVP and attend the Shining Light seminar, the Harvesting Memories workshop and our memory cafes—do not hide like a mushroom in the dark—come out into the light so that we can share our struggles as well as our joys.Even the bitterest of grapes can make a palatable jelly. So much sweeter than a mushroom grown in the dark. |
Mushroom or Grape?
