Smith CCRCs to hold free support groups in March for caregivers, family of seniors with Alzheimer's

CHICAGO - March 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Residents of the Orland Park area and Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood who take care of seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia will be able to get free advice from experts at meetings next month at Smith Crossing and Smith Village, both of which are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

     The hour-long gatherings begin at 6:30 p.m and are open to questions and comments from the audience. Before ending, light refreshments are served.

     On Thursday, March 6, Smith Crossing’s resident services director Katie Liston and life enrichment director Dana Mahler will be offering tips on how caregivers can manage their loved one affected by Alzheimer’s. They will explain in detail the importance of remembering lost skills will not be regained. Proper management of the disease and its symptoms, however, can make living with Alzheimer's disease—or a person with it—a little easier. These factors help to determine how much and what types of assistance are needed. Smith Crossing is at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park (enter at 104^th Avenue and 183^rd Street). To reserve a place, please call 708-326-2300 or send an email to familyandfriends@smithcrossing.org.

    Tuesday, March 11, Smith Village’s memory support coordinator Diane Morgan will be talking about the ABCs of dementia, that it is progressive and what to expect in the different stages. Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113^th Place in Chicago. To reserve a seat, please call 773-474-7300 or send an email to familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.

About Smith Senior Living

     Smith Senior Living, a not-for-profit organization serving older adults, sponsors the only CCRCs in the Southwest sector of metropolitan Chicago. An innovative leader in providing the finest services and care for seniors, Smith established its first community in 1924, on the same city block where Smith Village stands today.

    Both CCRCs provide spacious independent living residences, and apartments for assisted living, as well as memory support and skilled nursing care. In addition, they offer short-term rehab programs for residents and others who have had surgery or a medical incident.

     For more information about how Smith Senior Living can help seniors enjoy retirement, contact Smith Crossing at 708-326-2300or SmithCrossing.org and Smith Village at 773-474-7300 or SmithVillage.org.

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FYI         JPGs of Diane Morgan, Dana Mahler and Katie Liston are available upon request. Please contact Peg Rafferty at 773-238-2935 or pegrafferty@skpr.net.