A free 'Lunch and Learn' event focused on dementia care will be held this Thursday, September 28, at First Presbyterian Church, 775 E. Boswell Street, in Batesville.
The session, sponsored by the White River Area Agency on Aging, is designed to provide families and caregivers with valuable information about addressing the challenges of dementia. Paulette Freeman, a certified dementia volunteer, emphasized the importance of community education around the condition, noting the substantial impact it has on local families.
According to statistics, approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease, with nearly two-thirds of those being women. In Arkansas, an estimated 60,000 residents are living with Alzheimer’s, supported by 155,000 unpaid caregivers.
The program will feature Melissa Martin, an ombudsman with the White River Area Agency on Aging, who will explain various levels of medical care available to individuals living with dementia. Topics will include independent and assisted living arrangements, memory care units, hospice, and palliative care options. Freeman stressed that being informed early is critical for families as they navigate these varying choices.
Lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m., followed by the presentation at 11:30 a.m. While the event is free, attendees are asked to pre-register by calling 318-617-6282 or emailing Paulette Freeman at paulettefreeman1@outlook.com.
For those looking to learn more about dementia care or seeking support in their caregiving roles, this program offers an opportunity to connect with local resources and expert guidance.