Alzheimer's Texas to host Effective Communication Lunch N' Learn

It is estimated 340, 000 Texans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease.

To increase disease awareness, provide community education to caregivers and support those affected by the disease, Alzheimer's Texas will host an educational Lunch N' Learn from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Lampasas Library.

Stephen Catoe, Positive Approach to Care, Validation Therapy trainer, and Alzheimer's Texas (AT) education specialist, will present tips and strategies for effective communication with persons with dementia.

During the class, participants will explore techniques of verbal, non-verbal, and physical communication. Effective communication with a person suffering from memory loss can help improve behavior may help improve quality of life as well as success in caregiving. "Effective communication begins entirely with a positive approach to the person living with dementia," said Catoe. "The way we approach someone can quickly determine if we will have a successful interaction or an interaction that leaves the person living with dementia confused or upset. The caregiver or family member may leave feeling hurt and upset because of the response they received "Leading experts have spent years working on successful approach and successful communication. Through this event, you will learn how to see it from the other side' and truly partner in your communications with a person living with dementia."

The Lunch N' Learn program is the centerpiece of the library's rural education and awareness outreach efforts. It features presentations on a variety of topics and lunch in the rural areas of our Central Texas territory. The goals of the program are to provide education that is not readily available in the community, connect with local constituents, provide on-site care consultations, and open doors for the development of future programs.

As with all library services, there is no charge to attend. Lunch is provided, but registration is necessary for the limited space by calling 512-241-0420 or emailing VCardenas@TXALZ.org. The same contact information may be used to learn more about the program, Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's Texas.

The Lampasas Library is located at 201 South Main Street.