Rockwall Meals on Wheels and North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging offer free online workshop “Managing Physical and Emotional Expressions in Dementia”

Rockwall, TX (August 1, 2023) – Dementia is a brain disease that impacts the individual’s behavior and causes unpredictable and unexpected emotions and physical actions. The thought that a loved one is now vulnerable where they were once solid and steady in thinking and capability is unsettling. Even though this disease catches many off guard and feeling helpless, some techniques are available to understand the triggers and make changes to help them and the caregiver navigate through what can feel like a dark tunnel.

As a caregiver, it is common to feel frustrated, angry, and caught off guard when unusual behaviors occur. Changing their environment, enforcing routines, and shifting your thought process to meet them where they are, can be helpful. Safety is always the primary concern, followed by peaceful coexistence. Imagine having the tools and resources to respond appropriately when emotional and physical actions occur. Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County (MOWSS) partners with the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging to provide caregiver support to guide caregivers and seniors through resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat memory-related illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Bewilderment, hopelessness, and sadness are commonly experienced by caregivers and those experiencing dementia. Preparedness through information and knowledge helps everyone react and respond confidently and reduces vulnerability. Contacting MOWSS is the first step towards seeking help and planning for the caregiver’s needs and those of the person(s) they care for in all instances; preserving independence, dignity, and safety for our seniors and disabled is our number one goal.

The link below offers a free workshop through Family Caregivers Online on August 8 from 2-3:30, titled “Managing Physical and Emotional Expressions in Dementia.” https://familycaregiversonline.net/event/managing-physical-and-emotional-expressions-in-dementia/

This online event for family members and professionals is FREE. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3Omg8Ly Hosted by: North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging & James L. West Center for Dementia Care. Complimentary CEUs are available for licensed RNs, LVNs, social workers, and LPCs in Texas.

For more information, call Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County at 972-771-9514.

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 aged 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.

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