The Morning Pointe Foundation and Parkridge Health System announced the “Caregiver Café” series to explore the psychological impact of caregiving, as well as healthy ways to cope while caring for someone who is living with memory loss and aging.
Experts from Parkridge Medical Center and Parkridge Valley Hospital will lead the four-part series which begins in January and continues through October.
On Jan. 23, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dr. Tamunosaki Lawson, M.D., psychiatrist, and Amy Whipple, associate chief nursing officer at Parkridge Valley Hospital, will begin the first Caregiver Café on the topic “Compassion Fatigue.” Future discussions will take place on the following dates (speakers and times to be announced):
· April 17 – Guilt and Grief: The Silent Burdens of Caregiving
· July 24 – Now What? How do Stroke, COPD, Vascular Dementia and Cardiovascular Disease Change Behaviors?
· October 23 – Dementia, Delirium and Depression – How to Know the Difference and Minimize Behaviors
“We sincerely thank Parkridge for the opportunity to connect healthcare experts as our 2018 Aging and Dementia Friendly Partner,” said Lori Hoeger, director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “It is a privilege to be a resource for professional and family caregivers as we navigate the changing phases of dementia care for loved ones.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, informal and unpaid caregivers often experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and compromised immune function, while reporting worsened physical health. The aim of the Caregiver Café series is to promote improved physical and psychological health for family caregivers.
“Parkridge Valley is excited to participate in the Morning Pointe Foundation’s educational series, which focuses on behavioral health and the psychology behind caregiving,” said Melissa Arkin, CEO of Parkridge Valley Hospital. “Our team of psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and other medical disciplines look forward to sharing their knowledge through this partnership, as we continue to be a resource in our community.”
The Caregiver Café is open to the public and takes place at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Chattanooga, at 7620 Shallowford Road.