Though some events are specifically designed for caregivers, anyone is welcome to attend. If you have questions about specific topics please contact our office. Note that people with a diagnosis will benefit from contacting our office prior to attending events.

September 26, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Caregiver Workshop at Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, Topics include: Overview of Dementia, Tips to Navigate Communication, Taking Care of the Caregiver, Planning for the Future, and Hospice Not Just for the End of Life. For seating and refreshment purposes please RSVP to (863) 644-6414.

October 8, 4:00- 5:00 p.m. - Caregiver Education: Transitions at Valencia Hills Health & Rehab, 1350 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland. This presentation is for family caregivers that are transitioning from one level of care to another care. Specifically, speakers will focus on nursing home placement and the roles that caregivers are transitioning into. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: Phone: 863-292-9210 / Email: thompsons@alzflgulf.org

Superior Blvd, Winter Haven.  Refreshments provided by Valencia Hills Health and Rehab.

 Exhibit runs October 10 - 31, 2013.  For more information or to scheduling a viewing,

call 863.292.9210

October 17, 6:00 p.m. Caregiver Education, Understanding Medications with Dr. Jeff Reddout and Resources for Alzheimer's with Stefanie Thompson at St. Johns United Methodist Church, 1800 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, in Room 108-109. Contact (863) 292-9210 for RSVP.

October 23, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Caregiver Education: Basics of Alzheimer's at Alzheimer's Association, 1000 American Superior Blvd, Winter Haven Contact (863) 292-9210 for RSVP.

October 29, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Caregiver Education: Basics of Alzheimer's at Alzheimer's Association, 1000 American Superior Blvd, Winter Haven. Contact (863) 292-9210 to RSVP.

October 30, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Walk to End Alzheimer's Polk County Walk Bank Day. Turn in your fundraising money early! Stop by The Estates at Carpenters (1001 Carpenters Way Lakeland, FL 33809) Contact Katie Hood 727-259-2317 for more information.

October 30, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Caregiver Education: Challenging Behaviors of Alzheimer's at Florida Blue, 385 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL. Contact (863) 292-9210 for RSVP.

October 31, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Information and resources about dementia and dementia care at City of Lakeland's health fair.

Upcoming

November 2, Walk to End Alzheimer's, First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. ; Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

November 12, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Caregiver Education: When Grandma is Not Grandma Anymore at Valencia Hills Health & Rehab, 1350 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland. Presented by Stefanie Thompson, M.A., director of programs for early stage dementia / senior program specialist, AAFGCC; and Sherry Robinson, LPN, dementia care unit manager, Valencia Hills Health and Rehab. This presentation offers insight into the behavioral challenges that can arise in people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. It offers communication strategies and tips on how to manage difficult behaviors. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: Phone: 863-292-9210 / Email: thompsons@alzflgulf.org

November 14, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Caregiver Education, two back to back topics at Southland Suites 4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland 33813. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: Phone: 863-292-9210 / Email: thompsons@alzflgulf.org

• When the Brain Has Hiccups- sometimes our brains have hiccups or rather our neurons misfire, with an end result of not remembering a phone number, name or the location of keys. This presentation takes these hiccups into account by focusing on brain mechanics and dementia (Alzheimer's and some related forms of dementia). It compares normal age related changes to abnormal changes to the brain while offering insight into the evaluation process. Attendees can learn how to start the diagnostic process and what a through diagnosis can look like.
• Why Long-term Planning is Important. This presentation offers information about long-term planning including important documents that caregivers must have in place and available community resources. Presentation presented by Chapter staff and or a geriatric care manager or elder law attorney.

November 21, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Caregiver Education, two back to back topics at Southland Suites 4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland 33813. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: Phone: 863-292-9210 / Email: thompsons@alzflgulf.org

• When Grandma is Not Grandma Anymore: This presentation offers insight into the behavioral challenges that can arise in people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. It offers communication strategies and tips on how to manage difficult behaviors.
• Activities and Engagement for Persons with Dementia: Presented by Jo Lewis, Recreational Therapist, Clare Bridge Cottage. People living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias have not lost their need to be and feel involved. This training provides caregivers with an understanding of the different types of appropriate activities, tips for planning activities and resources available.

December 10, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.- Caregiver Education: Handling Holidays at Valencia Hills Health & Rehab, 1350 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland.  Don't let the holidays overwhelm you. Learn to manage the holidays to fit you and your loved ones new routine. This personation covers tips and tricks to minimize stress during holidays and family gatherings. RSVP for seating and refreshment purposes: Phone: 863-292-9210 / Email: thompsons@alzflgulf.org.

December 12, Caregiver Education: Understanding Dementia Care with Teepa Snow, (for family and professional caregivers) at Highland Park Church of the Nazarene, Lakeland, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. FREE respite. Please call 863-686-7333 with any questions.  Family caregivers sign up here.  Professionals sign up here.