(Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)
BELPRE — The Washington County Alzheimer’s Family Support will hold a program on June 21, the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year.
The group invites the public to an afternoon of Lighting the Way through education, fun and encouragement for both caregivers and friends or family members dealing with memory loss and dementia-related behaviors at 12:30 p.m. at Rockland Church, 2300 Washington Blvd., Belpre.
Volunteers with the support group will engage individuals living with dementia through activities such as balloon chair volleyball, music, cornhole and board games while caregivers and interested persons participate in an educational presentation.
Ginger Gagne, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter, will speak on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related Behaviors.” The terms of Alzheimer’s and dementia often are interchangeably used, but there are distinct differences.
Cognitive decline and physical limitations affect everything. Relationships as well as the ability to live independently changes. Like with other important challenges throughout life, the Alzheimer’s Association says that the first step is to learn as much as possible about the disease and related behaviors.
The program is free of charge, but pre-registration is appreciated. Call or text Susie Casto, facilitator of the Washington County family support group, at 304-482-4602 or sscasto@suddenlink.net. The regular support group meets at 1 p.m. second Mondays of the month at the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce conference room located at 713 Park Drive, Belpre.
