Holiday-Themed Talks Focus On Alzheimer's, Coping With Grief
Holiday-Themed Talks Focus On Alzheimerâs, Coping With Grief
SOUTHBURY â Whether it is time to carve the turkey, light the menorah, decorate the tree, or exchange gifts, families and friends who care for those with Alzheimerâs disease and related dementias often find the holidays a particularly stressful time.
On Monday, November 16 from 1 to 2:30 pm, Brownstein Jewish Family Service is hosting a free program called Keeping Connected through the Holidays. Carolyn DeRocco, northwestern regional director of the Alzheimerâs Association, Connecticut Chapter, will be the facilitator.
Ms DeRocco will offer holiday hints to help family caregivers of people who are in long-term care facilities as well as those who are cared for at home. She will speak about how to prepare a person with Alzheimerâs disease for visitors and holiday activities. She will also discuss the warning signs of caregiver stress and coping strategies.
Great gift ideas for someone with Alzheimerâs and their caregivers will be covered as well. Information packets will be distributed and light refreshments will be served.
Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Getting through the holidays after the death of a family member or dear friend can also be very difficult for many people. With that in mind, Brownstein Jewish Family Service is offering a special one-time program to help people cope with grief over the holidays.
Kendall Palladino, the director of spiritual and bereavement services for Regional Hospice, will facilitate a program on âSurviving the Holidays Without Your Loved Oneâ on Thursday, November 19, from 1 to 2:30 pm. He will give suggestions to help family members cope with their feelings and understand how the holiday experience, though painful, can be successfully celebrated.
He will also discuss self-care during this vulnerable time. This workshop will discuss practical ways to approach the holidays and get through them.
This free program is open to adults of all faiths.
Both programs take place at the Jewish Federation, 444 Main Street North. For more information and to register, call Debby Horowitz, Brownstein JFS director, at 203-267-3177 extension 105.