This two-part class offered by Nancy Gelman will review many aspects of dealing with loved ones with dementia, from understanding the disease to providing a safe and healthy home environment that will maintain the loved ones’ personal integrity. Topics to be discussed in the class will include the following but are not limited to:

• Differences between normal forgetfulness due to aging and dementia;
• Ways to slow down dementia;
• Brain health;
• Ways to reduce aggressive behaviors and increase calming behaviors;
• Resources available in the community;
• How caregivers maintain healthy lifestyles for themselves

About the Presenter:

Nancy Gelman, MEd, MA, Special Education. With master’s degrees in special education and supervision and administration, Nancy Gelman has 41 years of experience with the United Cerebral Palsy organization and in special ed classrooms. This prepared her to act as a caregiver to her parents, who had different types of dementia. She provided a safe home environment for them while addressing their cognitive, social, or management changes. She hopes to convey the understanding and support needed to care for individuals with dementia as they change with the progression of the disease.