A local healthcare facility is hosting an event to educate people about what it means to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The “Summer of Hope” conference is Tuesday, June 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Strong Rock Christian School, 4200 Strong Rock Parkway in Locust Grove. It is free to attend and includes a free lunch with advance registration.
This is the third such event in Henry County hosted by Eternal Hope Healthcare, whose CEO-owner Eddie Grogan wanted to organize something that could provide tools and resources for anyone who might be caring for another person with one of these conditions in a home setting, according to Susan Wilson-Tucker, director of community education at Eternal Hope.
“Everyone in the healthcare community hears questions and concerns about these issues,” she said. “We want to help people know where to go and what to do to get support for their loved ones as well as themselves – care for the caregiver.”
Seventeen vendors have signed up to host informational booths. That group includes nonprofit organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Lewy Body Dementia Association, along with sponsors like Piedmont Henry Hospital and Cannon Cleveland Funeral Home. Their support helps allow Eternal Hope to provide a full day of information for attendees free of charge, Wilson-Tucker said.
Two key speaking sessions are on the schedule. Robert Bowles is a retired pharmacist who was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2012. He, along with Beth Dow who speaks from the caregiver’s point of view, will present information on providing care for an elder and how to learn the difference between a “caregiver” and a “care partner.” They will share practical information for improving the quality of life for everyone involved.
Dr. Jonathan Liss from the Columbus Memory Center will show a video titled “Alzheimer’s Disease: The Revolution Is Underway!” He will share the latest information about recent medical breakthroughs regarding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The Columbus Memory Center has a free program in which visitors can have a cheek swab submitted for DNA testing which reveals the likelihood of a person developing Alzheimer’s and/or dementia, Wilson-Tucker said. Those who participate have the option of just taking their results for their own future plans or taking part in a study at the facility.
“At the last conference a lot of people said they wanted to go to Columbus and get the test,” she noted.
It is the goal of Eternal Hope to present all of this in a relaxed, informal setting, unlike just sitting in a doctor’s office receiving clinical information. A recent attendee commented at the end of the last conference, “What a positive, uplifting, motivational day.”
“We like to hear that,” said Wilson-Tucker.
Not only is so much information from professionals being given under one roof, attendees will also benefit from meeting people just like themselves at this event. “They’ll be walking away with names of people they met at their table who are going through the very same thing they are, to help build their support network,” she pointed out.
Usually a fee is associated with a conference like this, but that is not the case here.
“Mr. Grogan doesn’t want there to be a fee,” said Wilson-Tucker. “He wants this to be Eternal Hope Healthcare’s gift to the community. We want people to be able to ask questions, speak to the vendors, and walk away knowing they have hope.” Register in advance at susan@eternalhopehealthcare.com or by phone at 770-846-2295. Leave your full name, address, phone number and email address.
