In This Episode
When you’ve been immersed in something–a subject, a community–for a very long time, it can become easy to forget that new people are learning about that subject or joining that community every day.
I think that’s often how it is in Dementia World when it comes to the Alzheimer’s Association. When I was on the dementia cruise and conference in April, I met a guy who wasn’t part of our group, who was on the cruise with his wife and the her professional care partner.
The man asked why the people in our group were wearing purple wristbands. Phil’s* husband, Tim, said, “They’re from the Alzheimer’s Association.”
The person said, “Alzheimer’s Association? What’s that?” If Tim hadn’t been there too, I would’ve thought I hadn’t heard right. But this family care partner had been caring for his wife with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease for 18 years–18!–and had never heard of the Alzheimer’s Association.
That experience is a great reminder that no matter how obvious or ubiquitous something is (or we think it is), everyone starts out as a newbie at some point.
And in that spirit, I’m happy to have Heidi Rowell on the show to talk about programs and events the Alzheimer’s Association offers…for anyone who may not know, and for those who could use a refresher. Heidi is the program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter.
In this episode, Heidi shares:
- The magic of the Memories in the Making program (“You really see people come alive!”)
- The essential DIYness of The Longest Day
- What makes the Walk to End Alzheimer’s special
- The purpose of the McGinty Conference, and
- Why she thinks stigma is still a thing in Dementia World
*Note for Phil Phans: Phil Gutis, AKA The Assistant Sherpa, isn’t on the show this week. But we talk about him anyway, because Heidi’s a fan, too. Phil will be back next week.
(38 minutes)
Be sure to check out the show notes below for links to resources mentioned in this episode.
Archive
With Host Christy Turner of Dementia Sherpa (Episodes 79-current)
With Host Mike Good of Together in This (Episodes 1-78)
Mike Good founded The Alzheimer’s Podcast in May 2017. Christy appears as a guest in episodes 15 and 23-26. She became the featured expert on the show starting with episode 28 and appears in every episode after, except 56. When Mike decided to follow his bliss, Christy took over the show in January 2019. She misses Mike’s mad tech skills. All. The. Time.
Questions?
If you have questions or comments, please let us know. We’ll answer them on an upcoming show. You can send them via Christy{at}DementiaSherpa{dot}com, Facebook{dot}com/DementiaSherpa, or Twitter{dot}com/DementiaSherpa.
Show Notes
Further information and resources related to topics mentioned in this episode:
- Mentioned in this episode
- 24/7 Helpline
- Art from Memories in the Making program
- The Longest Day – Krista’s Crew – Do your own thing for The Longest Day, or join us!
- Resources
- For Care Partners in General
Dementia can last for up to 20 years or more. That's a long time to fly by the seat of your pants, struggling through trial and error! If you're ready to
step into the life you and your loved one deserve, schedule your complimentary Dementia Caregiver Strategy call with Christy.
step into the life you and your loved one deserve, schedule your complimentary Dementia Caregiver Strategy call with Christy.