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DONATE | OUR SERVICES | DECEMBER 2024

THE JOURNEY

YOUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FROM

THE BRIDGE ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA RESOURCE CENTER

The Bridge Hosts Two Events for National Alzheimer's Awareness Month & National Caregiver Month

November was National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Caregivers’ Month and The Bridge did its part to bring awareness by hosting two events. The first was a Service of Remembrance, honoring those we lost to Alzheimer’s and other dementias by reading their names, followed by the tolling of bell. The service was held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 1, and was led by the Rev. Dr. Jim Freeman, Pastor of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. Carl Rhoads, member of The Bridge Board of Directors, provided the message. Dr. Holly Watson, organist at First Presbyterian Church provided the music. Over 50 names were read and over 50 people attended the service, followed by a reception. The feedback from the families was that it was special and meaningful to them and The Bridge plans to make this an annual event. To view the service, click here.


The second event was the 4th Annual Education Conference on Alzheimer’s & Dementia held on Friday, November 8th at First Methodist Church, Shreveport. Eric Portnoff, a Certified Validation Teacher, was the keynote speaker. Speaking to a full room of nearly 200 caregivers and healthcare professionals, Eric’s keynote address topic was “Delivering Compassion: Using Validation to Express our Natural Caring.” He centered around 3 main points using illustrations of nature: Connect with Your Wellspring of Caring, Identify Your Boulders, and Use Your Paddle. In the Wellspring of Caring, Portnoff helped the attendees begin a personal road map for growth with “Your Origin Story.” He shared four core Validation Principles: 1) All elderly people are unique and worthwhile 2) Disoriented elders should be accepted as they are 3) Listening with empathy builds trust and restores dignity and 4) Painful feelings that are expressed diminish; suppressed feelings grow stronger.

In Identifying Your Boulders, Portnoff identified 6 areas that can be challenging for the caregiver: 1) Questions that are hard to answer 2) Requests that are impossible to meet 3) Actions that are unsafe or cause problems 4) Resistance to necessary tools 5) Repetition 6) Our own stress, exhaustion, and “fight or flight” reactions.


In Use Your Paddle, Portnoff gave us 3 solutions: 1) Relax, by showing us one technique on how this can be done 2) Listen with empathy, including asking open questions, and most importantly 3) Validate the person’s feelings and perspective. Ways to validate include using eye contact and slowing down, paraphrasing their statement, highlighting how they are right, and reflecting their core message back as a question. Portnoff also emphasized to remember they’re the leader of the interaction; we are not.


The afternoon breakout sessions included: “Quality of Life for Residents” by Eric Portnoff; “The Three D’s: Delirium, Depression, & Dementia” by Dr. Jeff Overdyke; “Safety vs Autonomy: When to Intervene,” by Stacey Hand; “The Latest Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment” by Dr. Bruno Alvarez Concejo; Digital Discovers: How technology Can Enhance The Well-being of People Living with Dementia” by Eric Portnoff; “Death, Dying, & Grief” by Clint Davis; “Real Life Challenges” by Mary Strong; and “Reducing Risk in Your Home” by Jennifer Smith.


Attendee feedback was that it was difficult to choose which breakout session to attend. We are addressing this feedback by having the local breakout session speakers provide their topic for our upcoming “Workshop Wednesday” educational sessions which will be held every second Wednesday from 11 am until 12 noon at The Bridge office located at 851 Olive Street. In addition, we will be recording each session for viewing on our YouTube channel.


We will kick off 2025 with Dr. Jeff Overdyke speaking at the first Workshop Wednesday on January 8 on his topic of ”The 3 D’s: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia.”


To view the photo gallery of our 4th Annual Education Conference, click here.

Upcoming Events

 

Event Dates may have been changed to accommodate the upcoming Christmas holiday.


December 3, 2024

6:00 p.m. – Dementia Families Support Group

  • Location: The Blake – Bossier, 2000 Blake Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111


December 4, 2024

11:00 a.m. – First Wednesday Workshop, "A Holiday of Care: Tips and Tools for Dementia Caregivers" by Alecia Henderson, PLPC

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104


December 5, 2024

5:30 p.m. – Dementia Families Support Group

  • Location: The Glen, 400 E. Flournoy Lucas Rd., Shreveport, LA 71115


December 10, 2024

Noon – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Sabine Council on Aging, 200 Legacy Dr., Many, LA 71449

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Rd., Shreveport, LA 71107

4:00 p.m. – Benton Support Group

  • Location: Town of Benton Community Center, 202 Sibley St., Benton, LA 71006


December 11, 2024

11:00 a.m. – Wednesday with Friends, Minute to Win it Games

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104

1:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: First Presbyterian Church - Shreveport, 900 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101

5:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Broadmoor Baptist Church, 4110 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105


December 12, 2024

Noon – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: First Methodist - Shreveport, 500 Common St., Shreveport, LA 71101

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104


December 17, 2024

1:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Ellerbe Road Methodist Church, 10130 Ellerbe Rd., Shreveport, LA 71106

2:00 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Natchitoches Council on Aging, 1016 Keyser Ave, Natchitoches, LA 71457


December 18, 2024

1:00 p.m. – Zoom Online Support Group

  • Call The Bridge at 318-656-4800 for login information


December 19, 2024

10:00 a.m. – Art Connection

  • Location: NCAP Highland Art House, 1525 Stephens Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101

10:00 a.m. – Dementia Family Support Group

  • Location: The Oaks of Louisiana, 600 E Flournoy Lucas Rd., Shreveport, LA 71115

5:30 p.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Broadmoor Presbyterian Church - Adult Building, 1915 Grover Place, Shreveport, LA 71105

5:30 p.m. – Dementia Families Support Group

  • Location: Brookdale Bossier, 2540 Beene Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111


December 20, 2024

11:00 a.m. – Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Grief Support Group

  • Location: The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104


December 21, 2024

9:30 a.m. – Caregiver Support Group

  • Location: Fitness Lady, 1700 Old Minden Rd. #180, Bossier City, LA 71111


December 24-25, 2024

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

CANCELLED – First Presbyterian Church Support Group

ART can connect us socially, boost cognitive function, stimulate language, reawaken memories, & provide a sense of accomplishment. Join us at our new location at Highland Art House at 1525 Stephens Ave every third Thursday at 10:00 am. Thank you to the Noel Community Arts Program for sponsoring this activity!


This activity is open to caregivers and their family member living with dementia.

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (The Bridge) provides a Caregiver Grief Support Group for those who have lost a family member to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The group is led by Anthony Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Bridge Board of Directors member. The Bridge realized the importance of this grief support group after talking to caregivers who have lost their loved one. People grieving family members who have died after a long-term decline, due to Alzheimer’s and dementia have different needs.


If you have lost a family member to Alzheimer’s or dementia or know of someone who has, you can call The Bridge at 318-656-4800 for more information.

November Overview

LATEST NEWS

Find the latest news and events.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

View caregiver videos or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Service of Remembrance

Thank you to Miracle Garrett with KSLA News 12 for your coverage of our Service of Remembrance. It was a special and meaningful event.

Watch Now

KSLA Senior Focus

Great interview between Laura Gauthier, our Program & Education Director and Biskie Duncan of KSLA News 12 on "Senior Focus."

Watch Now

Ark-La-Tex Today

Laura Gauthier, Program & Education Director featured on Ark-La-Tex Today ahead of our 4th Annual Conference on Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Watch Now

Caddo Retired Teachers Association

Meet the newest members of our Dementia Friendly Community! Caddo Retired Teachers Association! Thank you for inviting The Bridge to speak at your meeting for Dementia Awareness.

CPR Certification

Members of The Bridge staff and board have received CPR certification, thanks to the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office. A special thanks to Chad Gauthier (pictured center) from the Sheriff's Office for dedicating his time to provide this essential training!

Featured Reading

Cognition in Primary Care: Embracing Our Values

Join us for the Cognition in Primary Care: Embracing Our Values webinar, hosted by the NYU BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Early Detection of Dementia. This free, public webinar will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.


Read More

Care in the Last Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

When a person reaches the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, everyday caregiving may become even harder. This page offers ways to cope with changes that take place during late-stage Alzheimer’s.


Read More

Alzheimer's Disease May Damage the Brain in Two Phases

Alzheimer’s disease may damage the brain in two distinct phases, based on new research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) using sophisticated brain mapping tools.


Read More

Linda Larsen NYC: A New Alzheimer's Functional Clothing Line

David German knows the heartache and challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. His wife, Linda Larsen German, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s in 2013; she was 62 years old. They faced it together for eight long years before Linda passed away in November 2021.


Read More

Personal Stories About Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research

Behind every scientific breakthrough are the people who made the discovery possible by participating in research. People who volunteer for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias clinical research help scientists uncover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat dementia.


Read More

How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain

This animation shows how Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, changes the brain. You can also learn about scientific advances and progress toward effective therapies to treat or prevent Alzheimer's.


Watch Video

The Caregiver's Handbook

This guide is for anyone who provides care for family members or friends who need help with daily living. It focuses on the needs of older adults who require care because of a serious health condition or disability, but it could also apply to other situations in which caregiving is needed.


Read More (or order a FREE copy!)

The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center is pleased to provide the organization’s 2023 Annual Report. Inside you will find a message from our executive director, a message from our outgoing Board president, highlights of our program, and our Donor Honor Roll. We’re calling it our Donor Honor Roll because we are honored that you chose The Bridge as an organization to donate to and become a part of by your gift.

View 2023 Annual Report

Local Support Groups

Monthly Schedule

Benton (Bossier Council on Aging Site)

202 Sibley Street

Benton, LA 71006

318-656-4800

2nd Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

*Please note new time change.


The Blake at Bossier City

2000 Blake Blvd.

Bossier City, LA 71111

318-752-6611

1st Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.


The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

851 Olive Street

Shreveport, LA 71104       

318-656-4800

2nd Thursday at 2:00 p.m.


Broadmoor Baptist Church

4110 Youree Dr.

Shreveport, La 71105

318-868-6552

2nd Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.


Broadmoor Presbyterian Church

1915 Grover Street

Shreveport, LA 71105      

318-868-3659

4th Thursday at 5:30 p.m.


Brookdale Senior Living – Bossier City

2540 Beene Blvd.

Bossier City, LA 71111  

318-747-2114

4th Thursday at 5:30 p.m.


Ellerbe Road Methodist Church

10130 Ellerbe Church Road

Shreveport, LA 71106  

318-797-8608

4th Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.


First Methodist Church Shreveport

500 Common Street

Shreveport, LA 71101

318-424-7771

2nd Thursdays at Noon


First Presbyterian Church

900 Jordan Street

Shreveport, LA 71101

318-222-0604

2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.


Fitness Lady

1700 Old Minden Road, Suite 180

Bossier City, LA 71111       

318-747-1897

3rd Saturday at 9:30 a.m.


The Glen

403 E. Flournoy Lucas Road

Shreveport, LA 71115      

318-798-3500

1st Thursday at 5:30 p.m.


Grief Support Group at The Bridge

851 Olive Street

Shreveport, LA 71104       

318-656-4800

3rd Friday at 11:00 a.m.

    

Natchitoches Council on Aging

1016 Keyser Avenue

Natchitoches, LA 71467

318-357-3250

3rd Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.


The Oaks of Louisiana

 600 E Flournoy Lucas Road

Shreveport, LA 71115

318-212-6257

4th Thursday at 10:00 a.m.


Sabine Council on Aging

200 Legacy Drive

Many, LA 71449

318-256-4140

2nd Tuesday at Noon


Trinity Heights Baptist Church

3820 Old Mooringsport Rd.

Shreveport, LA 71107

318-656-4800

2nd Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.


ONLINE Zoom Group

ONLINE: Please call 318-656-4800 for login information.

3rd Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

*Please call to confirm the date and time of group meetings before attending for the first time. Facilitators vary.

Why Join a Caregiver Support Group?

To be able to say how you feel and have others understand.


To be angry and others will not say you should not feel like that.


To find help on how to handle difficult behavior problems.


To learn that you cannot and should not be the only one responsible for caring for a loved one who has the disease.


To learn where to go for help in caring for a loved one.


To realize it is possible to laugh at some of the impossible, crazy things that happen during a day with a person living with dementia.


To learn to stop trying to teach, or reason, with your loved one and instead accept that the way she/he sees things is very real for her/him.


To discover that it is important to have some time for yourself and not feel guilty about it.


To become aware of how much it helps to know you are not making this dementia journey alone.


To discover that coping is easier with the support and caring understanding of the others present.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Programs of The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center are supported by

Community Foundation of North Louisiana ~ First Presbyterian Church Shreveport

Noel Foundation ~ The Alta and John Franks Foundation ~ The Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott Foundation

The Bridge Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center

851 Olive Street

Shreveport, LA 71104

(318) 656-4800

www.alzbridge.org

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