Simplifying the holidays to manage stress for those with dementia and their caregivers

ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 4, 2021) Holidays can often create discomfort for the person with dementia. Crowded homes and lots of noise can be unsettling and, in turn, create stress for the caregiver. So how do you better manage this holiday season for yourself and the person with dementia? Join North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, November 8 to learn tips for de-stressing and making the person with dementia more comfortable through improved communication.

The presenter will be Shelly Young with guest speakers Mindy Bannister and Mitzie Watson of the Alzheimer’s Association of North Central Texas.

RSVP here: https://www.wellmedcharitablefoundation.org/caregiver-support-caregiver-teleconnection-events/simplifying-the-holidays-can-help-manage-the-stress/

Mitzie has more than 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. Early in her career, she worked at hospitals and medical clinics in the Fort Worth and Houston areas, providing newborn and pediatric care. Most recently she worked for Pediatric Specialists of Plano and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Several years ago, she redirected her career to care for her mother who was diagnosed with Cognitive Impairment, which has since digressed to Alzheimer’s. Mitzie has been served by the Alzheimer’s Association and now enjoys being able to give back to others by serving as a community educator through the Alzheimer’s Association. With the experience she has gained in caring for her family she has started a business called Assisted Living Locators, which helps to find senior living options for seniors who want or need to make a change in where they live.

Mindy is a native Abilenian who holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hardin-Simmons University, one of three hometown universities, and a master’s degree in Health Education from Texas A&M University. Prior to coming to the Alzheimer’s Association in 2008, she worked for the Texas Department of Health and Abilene Regional Medical Center, both in education and training-related positions. Minds spends most of her days working directly with Association constituents, through Helpline services, community presentations, workshops, and caregiver support groups. In 2009, she started the “Pioneers” Early Stage Group in Abilene, a specialty service for individuals in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and their primary care partners. In her Association role, she also works closely with the United Way of Abilene and the West Central Texas Area Agency on Aging.

**Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection**

Learn more about Caregiver Teleconnection’s free monthly calls by visiting their website or calling toll free: 866-390-6491.

Information provided by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County and North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging. The North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers who live in Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, and Wise counties. Their mission is to create and maintain a coordinated network of health and social services for older adults and family caregivers. They provide services and resources that help older adults maximize their quality of life and live as independently as possible. By providing information, education, and direct services, they help individuals meet basic needs and make informed decisions. Contact one of their staff members, or call 800-272-3921.