Dementia support groups feature local writers, two dementia care specialists

This month, two online dementia support group sessions will feature special presentations and poetry readings by CHamoru writer Pep Borja and Evelyn Flores, professor of Pacific island literatures and CHamoru studies at the University of Guam. Borja and Flores will also share the stories of their journeys as writers. These poetry reading sessions are specially designed to help caregivers learn to make meaningful connections with older adults and persons with dementia.  

The presentations are part of the ongoing online support groups for family caregivers of persons with dementia being conducted by the Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program of the University of Guam School of Health.  

Also this month, world-renowned dementia care specialists affiliated with Positive Approach to Care will provide training to caregivers of persons with dementia. Applied gerontologist Dr. Beth Nolan will present on “Brain Changes in Dementia” on May 14 and occupational therapist Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, will present on “Navigating the Journey of Dementia” on May 21. Nolan and Snow will be available after their presentations to answer questions from the group participants.

• CARES® End-of-Life Dementia Care – Module 5: Emotional and Spiritual Support 

10am–noon, Saturday, May 7  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/91243370958 

• Poetry in Dementia Care with Pep Borja 

6pm–8pm, Wednesday, May 11  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/92072878067 

• Brain Changes in Dementia with Dr. Beth Nolan 

8am–10am, Saturday, May 14  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/91243370958 

• Poetry in Dementia Care with Dr. Evelyn Flores 

6pm–8pm, Wednesday, May 18  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/92072878067 

• Navigating the Journey of Dementia with Teepa Snow 

8am–10am, Saturday, May 21  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/91243370958 

• CARES® End-of-Life Dementia Care™ – Certification Exam 

6pm–8pm, Wednesday, May 25  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/92072878067 

10am–noon, Saturday, May 28  

Register at https://zoom.us/j/91243370958 

Ongoing deme tia support groups The GWEP dementia support group sessions are held remotely on Zoom every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, year-round. The sessions are free of charge to partners, family members, and other caregivers of persons with dementia who have ties to Guam and the Micronesian region. 

For more information, contact Iain Twaddle or Nikolas Gutierrez at (671) 735-2883 or gwep.tgss@triton.uog.edu  or Rhoda Orallo at (671) 735-3277 or nfcspmgr@teleguam.net. (PR)