Thursday, August 25, 2016

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free series for caregivers

Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a free Family Caregivers Series for those caring for a loved one with dementia starting Sept. 13./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a free Family Caregivers Series to help those caring for a loved one with dementia.

“This series will provide valuable information, resources and support for those caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia,” said Maria Tomasetti, South Central Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

The series will begin Sept. 13 with “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.” 

Tomasetti will discuss how during the middle stage of dementia, the person with the disease often starts to exhibit new behaviors that can be confusing for a caregiver. Attendees will be able to identify common triggers for dementia-related behaviors, identify/assess these challenging behaviors, and list strategies to address some of the behaviors.

On Oct. 11, Tomasetti will present “Dementia Care Safety Precautions and Strategies,” focusing on wandering/getting lost, MedicAlert/Safe Return, driving, home environment awareness and modifications, and medication safety.

The series will finish Nov. 1, with Tomasetti leading “Quality Connections,” which will review the importance of structuring the day for a person with dementia and explore activity options, considering the person's life story to help make quality connections. 
Tomasetti also will present a summary of the Alzheimer's Association’s programs and services.

All talks will be from 6-7:30 p.m. in the hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Space is limited and registration is required for each talk. To register, call Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, at 203-732-1523.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


St. Jude Church in Derby to hold 8th annual festival

Photo of picnic shared from St. Jude Church website

DERBY - Parishioners of St. Jude Church will hold their eighth annual Family Labor Day Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 5 on church grounds, 71 Pleasant View Road.

Read all about the family-oriented picnic here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.