The majority of people who are living with dementia in our community are receiving care in their homes from a family member or friend. And most of the caregivers providing this care are also working a full-time job or are raising young children. Whether you’re caring for a spouse, parent, other family member or friend, caregiving is hard work. And caring for a person who is living with dementia can be even harder. Family caregivers of people who are living with dementia are at greater risk of depression, anxiety and poor quality of life, than caregivers of people with other medical conditions.
Recognizing the need to provide caregivers with education, training and resources to support them in their caregiving roles, Morningstar Living launched a dementia-focused program in 2012 called Memory Lane. This year-round program takes place at Morningstar Living’s Moravian Hall Square campus in Nazareth, PA and is open to the general public. Memory Lane features professional speakers, educators, physicians and specialists who have knowledge, information, resources and research to share on the subject of dementia. Featured program topics range from understanding the difference between dementia and natural signs of aging, to research about current studies on finding a cure for the disease, to drugs that are being tested to treat the disease, to learning how to communicate effectively with someone who is living with dementia, to proactive strategies to promote brain health. Hundreds of people living throughout the Lehigh Valley, attend Memory Lane to gather information, apply new knowledge, and practice skills and caregiving techniques they learn at these programs. Memory Lane creates a forum for participants to meet and engage with others in similar caregiving situations and exchange information, caregiving experiences and resources that are available in our community.
Caregivers who are caring for a family member or friend who is living with dementia need all of the help and support they can get from their community. Morningstar Living’s Memory Lane is dedicated to this purpose. To learn more, visit https://www.morningstarliving.org.