UW-Led Program Begins Third Year of Dementia Caregiving in Region

Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) -- a statewide, nonprofit caregiver network offered through the University of Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA) -- begins its third year of helping hundreds of families throughout the Rocky Mountain region care for loved ones with dementia.

The WDT staff -- which includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and caregivers -- started meeting in fall 2020. Since then, the staff has been offering online programming help twice each month -- scheduled every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

The programs feature a guest speaker and allow time for interaction from those who attend online throughout Wyoming and the region.

“We are grateful to receive this feedback,” says Carol Taylor, WDT team leader from Jackson. “It helps us track the topics important to caregivers and plan more effective programs in the future.”

WDT has proven to be effective for those who participate in the online programs.

“Great presentation,” one participant noted. “Even though my mother does not need assistance now, this knowledge will help me prepare for the next part of my caregiver journey.”

A caregiver wrote, “I thought I knew all about what was going to be presented. I am glad I came anyway because I learned a lot.”

“Valuable information,” another caregiver wrote. “It will help us plan for the future. As my mother’s disease progresses, we will have a good plan. Right now, she can still tell us what she wants.”

Future program topics scheduled are “What Matters Most to Your Loved One: Conversations” March 8; “Caregiver Support: Using Technology to Ease the Caregiver Burden” March 22; and “Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Supporting You and Your Loved One: Resources and Navigation” April 5.

“We hope caregivers will join us on our calls, not just to gain valuable help and information, but also to realize they are not alone in their journey,” Taylor says.

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