Published February 13, 2023
Wyoming Dementia Together, a statewide nonprofit caregiver network offered through the University of Wyoming’s Center on Aging (WyCOA), is hosting another season of “Once Again,” a YouTube channel program that provides hands-on tips and strategies for those caring for loved ones with dementia.
The program is available for viewing at Wyoming Dementia Together -- Once Again YouTube. It can be found on YouTube by searching for “Wyoming Dementia Together -- Once Again.”
“Once Again” includes short, feature interviews and addresses a different topic related to caring for a loved one with dementia. Scott Veatch, of Casper, hosts the program. He is a retired former news reporter and radio talk show host with more than 25 years of experience. Veatch was a long-term caregiver to his wife, Mona, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 54. She died a year ago, following a 15-year battle.
“We cover so many topics that provide basic, hands-on help for the caregiver,” Veatch says. “I wish this information would have been available to me when Mona was first diagnosed.”
Past programs have covered topics including “Being a Care Partner and Advocate”; “Dementia and Driving”; “Taking Vital Signs: The Good, Bad and Basics”; “Building Caregiver Confidence”; “Personal Hygiene and Confidence”; “End of Life Care”; and “Honoring Legacy: The Gift of a Lifetime.”
“Each of these programs provides useful information that caregivers can begin to implement immediately,” Veatch says.
The Wyoming Dementia Together team includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and caregivers. The team started meeting in fall 2020 and has since been offering online programming help twice each month.
“We hope caregivers will join us on our calls, not just to gain valuable help and information, but also to realize they’re not alone in their journey,” Veatch says.
“Once Again” offers caregivers a chance to review provided information if they miss the Zoom call or would like to review it at a more convenient time.
For information about registering for the free online Zoom calls and the other services offered by Wyoming Dementia Together, call WyCOA at (307) 766-2829 or email wycoa@uwyo.edu.
