Maui Workshop: Caring for Alzheimer’s

By Wendy Osher

The number of people with Alzheimer’s Disease in Hawai’i is expected to triple over the next 30 to 40 years, that according to the Maui Alzheimer’s Association.  As more people move through the aging process in Hawai’i, more are learning to deal with the challenges and behaviors associated with the disease.

The Maui Alzheimer’s Association hosts a workshop and presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease and the important issues of planning for future care needs.  The workshop takes place on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maui Red Cross office on Market Street in Wailuku.  There is limited seating.  Reservations can be made by calling: 242-8636.

Those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia are encouraged to attend the two-hour presentation.  Caregivers will learn a three step approach to identify and deal with behaviors such as anxiety, confusion, suspicion, memory loss and aggression.

Chris Ridley will be the guest speaker at a Maui Workshop on Alzheimer's Disease.

Guest speaker, Chris Ridley, will discuss possible behaviors, causes and interventions due to dementia.  Ridley (MSW, DCSW, LCSW) has worked as the Director of Social Services at Life Care Center of Hilo since 1994.  She is also the Program Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Association Island of Hawaii, East Side.  Her area of specialization is gerontology and dementia with several years experience in Mental Health.

Ridley also served for 12 years as the care giver for her father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease can strike people under the age of 50, but most commonly occurs with those over the age of 65. The effects of this disease can have impacts on the families and friends of the diagnosed people, as well as on the community at large.

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can cause a person to behave in different and unpredictable ways which may lead to misunderstanding, frustration and tension between the person with dementia and the caregivers.

The workshop is presented free by the Maui Alzheimer’s Association, to family caregivers.