Arbor Terrace Morris Plains Launches Dementia Awareness Series

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. - Feb. 2, 2017 - PRLog -- For those living with dementia, and their care partners, daily challenges can be compounded by misunderstanding and lack of knowledge in the broader community. To help bridge that "knowledge gap," Arbor Terrace Morris Plains is launching a community outreach and awareness program titled "Hear Our Voices: Listening to the Wisdom of People Living with Dementia."

The series includes two educational seminars and a cooking demonstration offered to the general public, as well as a training class to prepare first responders who assist people with dementia in emergency situations.

"Family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia face daily challenges," said Mary Beth Kane, Senior Care Counselor at Arbor Terrace Morris Plains. "The more educated the community is about this disease, the better we will all be able to support them and understand their challenges. Arbor Terrace is pleased to be able to provide these programs as a public service."

Upcoming programs include:

Educational seminars

·      "Are You Listening?," Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m.: Presented by Jackie Pinkowitz from the Dementia Action Alliance, the program will share the voices of people who are purposeful in their decisions to live well with dementia.

·      "MemoryCare Plays," Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m.: This presentation, created by Keith Dougherty Productions, is designed to help people living with dementia, and their caregivers, tell their stories.

Both seminars will include a complimentary dinner and be held at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Ave., Morris Township, N.J., 07962. They are free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. Call Mary Beth Kane, Senior Care Counselor, at 973-718-3636, or email mkane@arborcompany.com.

Cooking Demonstration

·      Dining with Dignity, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Jim Lee, Vice President of Dining Services with The Arbor Company, will demonstrate a new culinary technique that involves grinding cooked food and presenting it in a way that retains the full taste, as well as the texture, consistency and "five-star" attractiveness of the original dish. Designed to enhance dining and quality nutrition for residents living with dementia, these menu items have increased weight gain and the quality of life for residents of Arbor communities. The cooking demonstration takes place at ShopRite of Greater Morristown – Learning Center, 178 E. Hanover Ave., in Cedar Knolls, N.J. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Call Mary Beth Kane, senior care counselor, at 973-718-3636, or email mkane@arborcompany.com to RSVP.

First Responders program

·      When an emergency strikes, the situation can quickly become complicated if a person with dementia is affected. In unfamiliar or stressful situations, people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia often become confused, agitated or aggressive. First responders may easily mistake the behavior caused by the disease as uncooperativeness. To help prepare them, Arbor Terrace Morris Plains will provide two training sessions at the Morris Plains Fire Department. This will include the Virtual Dementia Tour®, which simulates the experiences of people with dementia. Participants don goggles to reduce vision and headphones to simulate the perception of multisensory bombardment. Each participant is led into a dim room and given a handful of simple tasks to complete, such as folding towels or drawing a picture. This training is essential because first responders are often called on to respond to Silver Alerts, triggered when an elderly person with impaired cognitive ability is reported as missing, or to respond to emergencies in homes or retirement facilities where a person with dementia may require assistance.

Opening this summer, Arbor Terrace Morris Plains will provide area seniors the best option in senior living and memory care. The community is located at 361 Speedwell Ave., in Morris Plains, N.J., 07950. Those interested in a tour may call 973-718-3636.

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About The Arbor Company:
The Arbor Company is an Atlanta-based operator of more than 28 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities, serving seniors in 11 states. With nearly 30 years of dedication and experience, The Arbor Company strives to deliver the highest quality care and service to residents and their families. The company's innovative Engaged Living program creates meaningful moments through structured activity programs and spontaneous interactions, filling each day with the right balance of purpose and fun. More information about The Arbor Company is available at www.ArborCompany.com.