UW-Led Wyoming Dementia Together Caregiver Program Offered Feb. 26

“Dementia Friendly Activities and Social Engagement” is the topic of a Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) program Wednesday, Feb. 26.

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.

Dementia-friendly activities and social engagement are more than interesting discussion topics for caregivers of loved ones living with dementia -- they are words of encouragement for both groups, according to the latest program from guest presenter Barbara Auten, executive director of Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area in Baton Rouge, La.

“We understand it’s vitally important for the health and well-being of caregivers to stay connected socially,” Auten says. “But it’s equally important for their loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis to stay active and engaged. We’ll look at some dementia-friendly activities that both parties can enjoy during their journey -- activities designed to help improve the quality of life for both.”

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  “Dignity in Dementia Care and Aging Etiquette,” March 12; “Dementia: The Importance of Early Diagnosis,” March 26; “Dementia Research Update: Medical and Non-Medical Treatment Interventions,” April 9; “Dementia Continuum of Care: Our Options,” April 23; and “Care Support and Circle of Care: Building Your Team,” May 7.

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.