• Dawn RN, BS, Parish Nurse available for Prayer and Resource Information. Email me with specific questions or information requests:dawn.rompel@saints.org 
Picture
Even as her memories faded
with Dementia, her beauty remained radiant in her smiles, sharing the love of Jesus each new day she was given!

May God's Word
 fill your hearts
 with joy in
 every situation!  
Alzheimer's Association: Support Groups & Classes for caregivers & clients
All classes are free, but registration is required. To register for a class, call 800-272-3900.  For classes both for patient and caregivers, caregiver education, support, and assistance, please visit the website at www.alz.org/oregon. (Some of the class descriptions are offered below.) TO LEARN MORE OR TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL 800.272.3900 OR VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.communityresourcefinder.org/
Remember: To get services and support 24/7, you can call our Helpline at 800-272-3900 (I know from experience how valuable this resource can be!)
The Alzheimer’s Association® provides care and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia through free, high-quality education programs. Explore our convenient
learning opportunities focused on Alzheimer’s disease, care giving, communication and more.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
(60 & 30-minute options available)
This education program will help you
recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others and next steps to take, including how to talk to your doctor.
Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia
(60 & 30-minute options available)
Learn basic information on the difference
between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages,
risk factors, research and FDA-approved
treatments.
Understanding and Responding to
Dementia Related Behaviors
(60 & 30 minute options available).
Review caregiver tips and strategies to
respond to some common behaviors
exhibited by individuals living with dementia,
such as agitation, confusion and more.
Effective Communication
(45 & 30 minute options available)
Explore ways that Alzheimer’s and other
Dementias affect an individual’s ability to
communicate across different stages, and get tips to better communicate with people living with the disease.
Dementia Conversations
(45 & 30 minute options available) 
If you know someone who is experiencing changes in memory, thinking and behavior, this education program provides tips and strategies for difficult - but important - conversations about changes that may be related to dementia.
One of my favorite Hymns written long ago by Edward Mote...Pray that Jesus will be your Hope and Solid Rock through this often difficult and frustrating journey of life....
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
 On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
 On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. His oath, His covenant, and blood support me in the whelming flood; When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
 On Christ, the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found, clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
 On Christ, the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”   
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body (1.5 hours) For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Disease (2 hours) The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning for the future more important than ever. Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease is an interactive program where you will have a chance to learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near you. 
 Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center... 1 800 438 4380     www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers (website for assist with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias.)  It is valuable to note, that Dementia in any form IS NOT a normal aging process! There are several types of Dementia now. 
One of the Best easy-to-use guides I have ever seen, used and shared:        Caring for a Person with Alzheimers Disease:your-easy-to-use-guide             Available in PDF online or order hard copy.  Many other specific informational assists for the many frustrating situations are available.
Picture
My prayer is that you are able to reach your loved one. Try Music, one of the gifts our Lord gives us on this earth. Please attempt this connection with the music that your loved one so enjoyed before they drifted into their own space. Many times, I have been able to reach in and bring them back with the joy and love of Music. (photo from Gibfoto-used with permission)
NIH has a valuable Publication for those Children living far away from their Parents: Long-Distance Caregiving: 20 Questions and Answers... 
"The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care" is a helpful book given to me by a long time AD caregiver, the best I have ever worked with. Written by Virginia Bell & David Troxel... 
A valuable website for finding a quality Caregivers for your precious loved one.... www.care.com. They also will assist with child care, pet care and Housekeeping.
The holiday season can be an especially challenging time of year for individuals living with Alzheimer's and other Dementias as well as their caregivers. We truly believe that no one should face this disease alone and can provide additional resources:
Alzheimer's Association Classes & Support Groups - Available Virtually... Links to Register & Connect!
Dementia Support Groups:
​Please call 1 800 272 3900 for 24/7 Support)

​Telephone caregiver support group:The Alzheimer's Association provides a telephone caregiver support group for caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The purpose is to reach those caregivers who could benefit from a support group, yet find it difficult to travel to a meeting site.
  • The meeting is the 3rd Thursday of every month,
  • from 1 to 2 p.m. The group is designed to:
  • Provide emotional, educational, and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings
  • Help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems
  • Encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical, and emotional health
Please call 800-272-3900 to register and for more information about joining the telephone caregiver support group.
Direct Link for Local 97701 Support Groups ​(Although remember groups are virtual, so can connect from anywhere) 
Direct Link for Alzheimer's Education Programs-Virtually  
Training and Education Center - Online.  The Association offers a number of Alzheimer's and dementia courses available online, 24 hours a day.  You can look at the course titles for more information, or use the search filters to find courses you are interested in.     http://training.alz.org/home
Alzheimer's Association Central Oregon Office  (Closed for now, connect by email below)
777 NW Wall St., Suite 104
Bend, OR 97701
 Kaitlyn Bertholet | Central Oregon Regional Coordinator | Alzheimer's Association, Oregon Chapter | 
office: 541.317.3977 | kmbertholet@alz.org | www.alz.org/oregon |                        24/7 Information Helpline: 800.272.3900 (PLEASE USE THIS NUMBER) 
"Joy-spirations for Caregivers" by Annetta Dellinger & Karen Boerger Illustrated by George L. Richardson (Dialogues with God of Hope and Encouragement) is a wonderful book to assist you in your journey. I have copies to share locally if you connect with me - Facebook or email above.