In the United States, there are more than five million people living with dementia. Since 2012, our Wellness Initiative has focused on creating a community of resilient caregivers caring for someone with memory loss. Led by Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW, we offer several groups for family caregivers of persons living with a dementia. These groups include:
Catching Your Breath
A free monthly program for learning and practicing stress resilience skills for continued health, balance and well-being. The next sessions are March 8 and April 12. Registration can be found here for the March group and here for the April group.
Caregiver Wellness Days
Half-day wellness, creativity and social retreats
Mindfulness-based Dementia Care
An 8-week program that teaches how the practice of mindfulness can help cope with the challenges and stresses of dementia care. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming session, please complete the interest form here.
In the last year, our Center has expanded the Wellness Initiative to also include those living with a dementia or memory loss. These programs, called Mitten Minds, include a new educational series for those with a recent diagnosis of memory loss, a support group specifically for those with a recent diagnosis, and brain health and dementia education for youth and students interested in careers in dementia care. More information, and registration options are below:
Mitten Minds Dementia Education Series
This education series is specifically for individuals who are newly diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or are in the earlier stages of a dementia. Each session will be presented by an expert in the field of dementia care and research. The goal is to provide important information to individuals who have been recently diagnosed, provide a space for questions to be answered, and to connect to other resources and support services available. The next session begins on March 9 and registration is open here.
Mitten Minds Dementia Support Group
This support group is specifically for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia and takes place on the third Tuesday of the month. Registration can be found here.
If you’re able, we hope you’ll join us for Giving Blue Day on March 10. This year, we’re raising funds specifically for the growth of our Wellness Initiative to continue to grow and develop programs such as these. With your help and the help of others like you, we will be able to enhance our programming to support those folks living with and caring for someone with memory loss.
On March 10, visit the Giving Blue Day website below to make a donation.
Click here to visit the Giving Blue Day website.
Want more information about our programs?
Visit our wellness pages here.
Want to hear from others who have participated in our caregiver programs?
Visit our YouTube page here for testimonials.
Want to stay in touch with the Wellness Initiative?
We currently offer a monthly Wellness e-newsletter. You can subscribe here, or view past issues here. We also offer a variety of wellness and mindfulness-based resources on our Instagram page here.
Do you need resources for self-care?
You can find those on our website here.
Be sure to tune into our social media over the coming weeks for an additional glimpse into our various Wellness Initiative programs, resources, and more. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @umichalzheimers.
We hope to see you online on Giving Blue Day!