UW-Led Wyoming Dementia Together Caregiver Program Offered Feb. 12

“Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness” is the topic of a Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) program Wednesday, Feb. 12.

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. The free programs feature guest speakers and allow time for interaction from those who attend online.

Human connection is vitally important for caregivers of loved ones living with dementia, and physical, emotional and mental complications can result for those caregivers who try to do it alone. That subject will be discussed in more detail during the latest WDT program.

According to Basia Dabrowski, who is among those leading the discussion, the event will be a conversational-style program designed to cover several areas of importance.

“We’ll begin with the definitions of social isolation and loneliness,” she says. “We will look at the risk factors of social isolation and the health effects. We will offer suggestions on increasing social engagement, and we’ll also provide some relevant programs caregivers can get involved with.”

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

Future WDT programs offered will feature “Dementia Friendly Activities and Social Engagement,” Feb. 26; “Dignity in Dementia Care and Aging Etiquette,” March 12; and “Dementia: The Importance of Early Diagnosis,” March 26.

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.