The Alzheimer’s Association will present a series of informational workshops during three Saturdays in August at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo.
The workshops will be facilitated by Big Island program coordinator Chris Ridley. Seating for the workshops is limited. The Aging and Disability Resource Center is located at 1055 Kinoole St. For reservations or more information, contact Ridley at 443-7360 or ridley0428@gmail.com.
Schedule
Aug. 5
• 1 p.m., “What Is Dementia?” a workshop that reviews dementia, the symptoms, warning signs, misconceptions, stages and potential treatments. It includes short videos of people with the disease, family members of people with dementia and various professionals.
• 3 p.m., screening of the film “Age Old Friends,” a classic story produced in 1989. John Cooper (Hume Cronyn) is in a retirement home. There are strict rules for the residents, but he refuses to fall into passivity. He flirts constantly with Nurse Wilson and spends time with his best buddy Michael Aylott (Vincent Gardenia), who’s slowly drifting into senility. The movie portrays the fight for independence and dignity in old age.
• 5 p.m., “Living with Forgetfulness” (Part 1) for anyone who is forgetful and their significant others.
Aug. 12
• 1 p.m., “Legal Aspects in Dementia,” information about advance directives, POLST, trusts, wills, Medicare, Medicaid, capacity and planning strategies.
• 3 p.m., screening of the film “A Song For Martin.” Sven Wollter and Viveka Seldahl – married in real life – play married couple Martin and Barbara in this 2011 Swedish movie with English subtitles. Martin is a conductor and composer; Barbara, a violinist. They meet and marry in middle-age, but soon after, they find out that Martin has Alzheimer’s disease.
• 5 p.m., “Living with Forgetfulness” (Part 2).
Aug. 19
• 1 p.m., “Communication and Behaviors in Dementia,” information about communication skills, possible causes and types of behaviors that might arise during the course of dementia. The focus helps the participants understand the communication problems and helps caregivers connect with the person.
• 3 p.m., screening of the film “Memories of Tomorrow.” This 2007 movie stars Ken Watanabe who does an outstanding performance about the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Watanabe makes this video an emotionally gripping experience.
• 5 p.m., “Living with Forgetfulness” (Part 3).
