Empowering People in the Dementia Care Circle

Caring for a person with dementia is challenging. This Wednesday series of classes is designed to provide helpful tools and tips to reduce stress for all caregivers, family members and friends of a person living with dementia. Join us for one session or for all of them!

Building the Foundations of Caregiving (January 22, 2025)

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. CT
• This class explores ways to build a support team and manage caregiver stress when supporting a person or family member living with dementia
• Presenter:  Acacia Stuckle - Family and Community Wellness, NDSU Extension/Emmons County

The Importance of Living with Independence for Those with Dementia (February 5, 2025)

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. CT
• For people living with dementia, participating in daily activities is important. Helping them do so is often the role of people in that person’s care circle. In this presentation, care partners will discover how to balance safety, support and independence for people living with dementia. 
• Presenter:   Ronda Gripentrog - Family and Community Wellness, NDSU Extension/Richland County

Communicating with Compassion - Successful Conversations and Dementia (February 19, 2025)

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. CT
• In this session, family, friends and healthcare professionals can learn how to apply compassion and connection when interacting with people living with dementia. Cognitive-linguistic considerations when caring for someone with dementia will also be shared.
• Presenters:  
  Erin Berentson, MPH, RDN, LRD -  Family and Community Wellness, NDSU Extension/Bottineau County
  Andrea Sailer, MS CCC-SLP, CBIST - ND Brain Injury Network

Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors (March 5, 2025)

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. CT
• Dementia can cause changes in a person’s behavior, including how a person communicates. Learn about the possible reasons for changes in behavior and ways to address them through clinical and non-clinical approaches. You’ll also learn to recognize when additional help is needed. 
• Presenter: Rita Ussatis, MS - Family and Community Wellness, NDSU Extension/Cass County

When to Explore Care and Support Services (March 19, 2025)

• 12 - 1:30 p.m. CT
• This class examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care, and end-of-life care. Participants will also experience a deeper understanding of ND Assistive and the services it provides.
• Presenters: 
  Shelly Kuntz - Family and Community Wellness, NDSU Extension/Burleigh County 
  Annette Goehring - AT Consultant, North Dakota Assistive