We have all heard that Alzheimer’s is a debilitating brain disease. The brain cells progressively degenerate causing deterioration in thinking ability and memory; and also affecting behavior, mood and emotions, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Consequently, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be both frustrating and exhausting.
At the Center on Wednesday March 25th from 1 to 4:30 PM the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will present, “Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers – Middle Stage”. You will hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s. The class is free, but registration is required. To register, call 800-272-3900.
But what is the middle stage of Alzheimer’s? The middle stage is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. It follows the early stage when the person exhibits mild cognitive impairment and may still be able to function independently such as driving and participating in social activities. And it precedes the late stage Alzheimer’s when around the clock care is usually required.
During the middle stage, as the dementia progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks such as getting dressed. As a caregiver during this stage, you become a hands-on caregiver, and it is particularly important to get the support you need as a caregiver.
The “Living with Alzheimer’s” presentation on the 25th will provide valuable information on how to care for a loved one as well as yourself. For more information, you can also go to the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org/oregon/.
Have you ever visited with your grandchildren or great-grandchildren and wondered why they say what they say? (Maybe even your adult children? But that is a whole different subject!) At the Center’s 11:00 Tuesday Lecture on March 24th, Lindsay Couch, SLP (Speech- Language Pathology) will talk about language and communication development in children including how children develop language skills, how they communicate with their parents and grandparents, and what milestones in communication should be reached at certain ages/stages. She has spoken to other groups in the area and they have found her presentations fascinating.
Are you ready for Medicare? Well, I imagine most of you, like myself, are already enrolled in Medicare. But for those of you who aren’t, you don’t have to wait until you are 65 to understand Medicare. You can get help now at a free community event presented by Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) on Wednesday April 8th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles. You will learn how to enroll in Medicare, important deadlines, avoiding penalties, working after you are eligible for Medicare, finding assistance with paying Medicare costs and much more. Call 541-506-6011 to register.
Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, more folks are enjoying the Center’s Tuesday Night Music and Dance. This coming Tuesday March 24ththe Simcoe Boys will be playing. Doors open at 6:00 and the music starts at 7:00. All ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
Nehemiah Brown will be performing at the Center once again on March 27th from 7:00 – 9:00. If you haven’t heard Nehemiah, you should. He sings the hits of the 50’s and 60’s in the style of Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin. And thanks to The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center who is sponsoring the event, the cost is still only $3.00 per person.
Okay, last week I may have given the answer away when I mentioned Phil Brady, but I wasn’t sure if anyone would remember Brady’s Market and its sign with the rotating grocery cart on top. I certainly was wrong. (The winner of five raffle tickets for the Necktie Quilt is Morris Melton.)
For this week’s “Remember When” question, here’s another local question about a popular landmark in The Dalles gleaned from my conversation with Jim Slusher and Phil Brady. But this time I’m only going to give one clue. What comes to mind when I mention “doughnut” (and it’s not the Bakekitchen). E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a round trip bus ticket to Richland, Washington.
Well, it’s been another week, laughing with friends – old and new. Until we meet again, don’t use your age as an excuse.
“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.” Douglas Adams
