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United HomeCare (UHC) would like to thank everyone who participated in our first Vintage Series (TM) event, the Alzheimer's and Dementia Educational Forum held at the InterContinental Doral Hotel's Grand Ballroom on November 18th. A special thank you to our event co-host Florida Community Care (FCC) and to event moderator Dr.h.c. Rachel Tourgeman.
This successful community education luncheon event was sold out with over 300 attendees! Guests and family caregivers learned about Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and helpful community resources from the panel experts, partners and sponsors. Guadalupe Rodriguez, MSW-MPH, LCSW, United HomeCare's Counseling Program Manager, discussed UHC's role as a Case Management Agency for Florida's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI) Program, administered by the Alliance for Aging in Miami. As an ADI provider, UHC works closely with family caregivers and AD patients to create a plan of care that includes case management, counseling, caregiver training, respite service and consumable medical supplies. She explained the benefits of participating in UHC's Caregiver Support Group, how to join and how to find community resources available to caregivers in the community. As a non-profit organization, United HomeCare has 50 years of experience caring for older and disabled adults at home. UHC is a Lead Case Management Agency for the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE).
Representing the Alzheimer's Association, David Chavez Lopez, discussed the difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, describing Alzheimer's as one specific disease under the umbrella of Dementia. He shared information about local Alzheimer's Association resources for caregiver support groups. Gary Barg, Author, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Today's Caregiver Magazine and caregiver.com, encouraged caregivers to seek help to alleviate what can feel like a very lonely time. He encouraged caregivers to connect with others who are walking in the same shoes, and to reach out to neighbors and friends who are willing to help, listen and guide. Dr. Trinidad Arguelles, Miami Dade College-West Campus, Associate Professor shared information about Alzheimer's Research, and the important role colleges and universities can foster to engage students in service learning. MDC is a collaborating partner in UHC's Avus Tech Pals (TM) Volunteer Program supported by the National Community Care Corps. To prepare students to work with the aging population, MDC has lauched a certificate program in Mental Health - Neuroscience and Aging.
Family Caregivers in the audience shared their tips for coping with the challenges of caregiving. Many said that taking walks, scenic drives, talking with family, friends and other caregivers was helpful in their journey. Crying was also a source of relief. Call or email Guadalupe Rodriguez, if you or someone you love needs assistance @ 305-716-0710 or [email protected].
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