Caring for those Living with Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Disease

Caring for those Living with Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease: A pastor’s guide to understanding patient care & caregiver needs for those in the church who are affected by dementia/AD                           

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Cost: $50 for individual registration; 40% discount for groups of 10 or more.

 

Learning Objectives:

Together, we will discuss the nature of dementia, in general, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), in particular.  We will talk about the importance of thorough medical and neuropsychological assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, as this informs treatment and prognosis. Caretaker awareness of the neurological progression of AD may help caretakers and loved ones know what to anticipate. We will distinguish early-, middle-, and late-stage symptoms of AD from the changes in memory and cognition that are often a part of normal cognitive aging.  Current treatments for AD will be discussed. Strategies in caretaking will be explored, as well as special considerations for the self-care and personal needs of caregivers.  Faith may offer some spiritual resources for people living with dementia and their loved ones.  

 Intended Audience:

Pastors, ministry leaders, and interested lay leaders in the church.

About the instructor:

Melissa Hofstetter, PhD, MDiv is an ordained Mennonite minister, having served as district elder in the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist (CA, PSY25696; AZ #4125).  She is the founder of Shepherd Heart.  Dr. Hofstetter has been a seminary instructor in Pastoral Counseling & Congregational Health, and served as adjunct professor in the doctoral and undergraduate psychology departments at Azusa Pacific University, teaching courses in Neuroscience, Adult Development, Family Systems, Cognition, General Psychology, Personality.

Disclaimer:

This seminar is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute a psychological service in any way.  It is not a substitute for consultation or treatment with a medical doctor, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.  Dr. Hofstetter will not give clinical advice;  if you have particular concerns about yourself or anyone else, you will be referred to an appropriate clinician.   By participating in this seminar, you are indicating your understanding and agreement to this.

 

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