UOG to host online training in dementia care in Feb.

The University of Guam’s Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program is offering online sessions in February related to caregiving for people with dementia.

CARES Dementia Advanced Care – Module 4: Minimizing Falls

In the first week of February, two sessions will focus on “Minimizing Falls,” one of six modules under the CARES Dementia Advanced Care training program. These sessions will be held:

• 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, Feb. 1
• 10am to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4

‘Remember Me When….’ with Dr. Evelyn Flores

In the second week of February, Dr. Evelyn Flores will present “Remember Me When…: Reminiscence and Identity for Persons with Dementia.” Flores is a professor of Pacific Island Literatures and CHamoru Studies at the University of Guam. Her presentation will be held:

• 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, Feb. 8

CARES Dementia Care for Families – Module 1: Understanding Memory Loss

In the third week of February, two sessions will focus on “Understanding Memory Loss,” the first module of the CARES Dementia Care for Families training and certification program. These sessions will be held:

• 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, Feb. 15
• 10am to noon, Saturday, Feb. 18

CARES Dementia Care for Families is an award-winning program developed specifically for those caring for a loved one living at home. It has four modules: (1) Understanding Memory Loss; (2) Living with Dementia; (3) Using the CARES Approach; and (4) Keys to Success with CARES. Module 1 will be presented in the third week of February. Modules 2, 3 and 4 will be conducted in March and April. Participants who complete the four modules will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for CARES Dementia Certification.

Sharing caregiver stories and finding support

In the fourth week of February, one session will provide new group members with an opportunity to share their experiences as family caregivers and to receive support and guidance from other members of the group who have had similar experiences. This session will be held:

• 10am to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25

Participants can attend the Wednesday or Saturday sessions using the following Zoom links:

• Wednesday sessions: https://zoom.us/j/92072878067
• Saturday sessions: https://zoom.us/j/91243370958

Ongoing dementia support groups

The training program is 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 UOG School of Health. The support group sessions are held on Zoom on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings 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:

Dr. Iain Twaddle or Nikolas Gutierrez

Guam/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program

Telehealth Geriatric Support Services

University of Guam

Tel: (671) 735-2883

Email: gwep.tgss@triton.uog.edu

Rhoda Orallo

Health Services of the Pacific

Tel: (671) 735-3277

Email: r.orallo@hspguam.com (UOG)