Ethical Considerations Topic of UW’s Wyoming Dementia Together Program

The ethical considerations that come with a dementia diagnosis are often an overlooked part of the caregiver process. The next program offered by Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) will tackle this unique subject Wednesday, Nov. 1.

WDT is a statewide, nonprofit caregiver network operating through the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA). WDT meets by Zoom call every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Programs feature guest speakers and allow time for interaction from those who attend online.

“Tackling the Ethical Considerations of Dementia Care” will be presented by Carol Taylor, who specializes in geriatric, hospice and medical social work, and Dani Guerttman, executive director and program manager for Wyoming Dementia Care in Casper.

According to Taylor, caring for someone with dementia is not a one-size-fits-all responsibility.

“There are many unique approaches for the caregiver to consider, and we hope to cover several that can be utilized immediately,” she says. “Ethical factors need to be part of the care program, too, including those with legal, medical, physical and compassionate guidelines.”

Caregivers from throughout Wyoming and surrounding states have benefited from the WDT programs.

“Outstanding messages for us. Thank you,” one caregiver said following a recent program. Another responded, “Thank you. I found it very helpful.” A third commented, “Fabulous presentation. So many great ideas. Thank you!”

Future WDT programs will feature a two-part session, “Peace, Love and Joy in the Holiday Season,” Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. The Nov. 29 program will be an open question-and-answer session involving WDT support team members.

WDT includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, a neuropsychologist, an occupational therapist and caregivers themselves. WDT began meeting in fall 2020 and since has been offering online programming help.

For information about registering for Zoom calls and the other free services offered by WDT, call WyCOA at (307) 766-2829 or email wycoa@uwyo.edu.

For more information, go to the WDT Caregiver Network website.