Monday September 13: Normal aging versus dementia

Speaker: Toby Atkins M.D., Geriatrician

Memory loss is not a normal aging process. Dr. Atkins, a geriatrician, will be on hand to discuss normal aging in comparison to Alzheimer's disease and dementia and will also be available to answer any questions you may have about dementia and memory loss.   

Monday October 4 : Maintaining independence using assistive technology

Speaker: Lynn Gitlow, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, Director of Occupational Therapy, Husson College

Lynn Gitlow will discuss activities of daily living, safety, driving and ways to help those with memory loss maintain independence in their homes and communities.

Monday November 1: Community resources for the caregiver

Speaker: Eastern Area Agency on Aging Staff, Bangor   

Staff from the Eastern Area Agency on Aging will be on hand for this conversation to help caregivers identify community resources available to them.

Monday December 6: "The Best Friends" Approach to Alzheimer's care

Speaker: Lucie Arbuthnot, Ph.D., Maine Alzheimer's Association   

"The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care" is based on the familiar concept of friendship that focuses on treating our loved ones as we would our best friends, by doing fun things together, focusing on abilities rather than losses, reminiscing about the past, and sharing treasured moments in the present.  The approach, which has been implemented in several dozen long-term care facilities in Maine , is designated as a "best practice" for Alzheimer's care by the Maine Department of Human Services Division of Licensure.