Door County Caregiver Support Network and Memory Care Connections Combine Efforts

Memory Care Connections and the Door County Caregiver Support Network are offering a free training to help family caregivers address the difficult issue of driving and dementia. The presentation, entitled “At the Crossroads: Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and Driving,” on Thursday, October 16, 2008 from 9 am – 3 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay.

Today, more than 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from dementia, with Alzheimer’s Disease being the most common form. As the population in Door County, and across the country, ages, this number is expected to expand significantly.

For those who have a loved one diagnosed with dementia, struggles will arise with a number of caregiving challenges – from medical and daily care to financial and legal matters – in the coming years. Driving is one of these challenges and it can be an immediate and life-threatening issue. Therefore, it is important to make it a family priority.

It’s difficult to decide when someone with dementia should stop driving, since there is a need to balance safety considerations with a person’s sense of independence, pride and control. Although much of the information available about dementia warns against driving, most of it doesn’t give much guidance on when it should stop or how to approach this sensitive topic with loved ones.

Individuals interested in attending should RSVP to Susan McAninch at 920.495.0162 or [email protected] by October 1, 2008. Lunch is included and respite care is available upon request. For more information, please contact Christy Wisniewski at 920.493.0339.