Holy Faith Church Initiates “In This Together” Dementia Awareness Program

It’s a Disease, Not A Disgrace
Holy Faith Church Initiates “In This Together” Dementia Awareness Program
May 1, 7-8:30 PM and May 4, 10-11:30 AM Holy Faith Church Social Hall 6299 Saline Ann Arbor Rd, Saline.
No one, and no family need face Alzheimer’s alone.
Starting May 1, Saline’s Holy Faith Church will offer the public a series of presentations to help people who may be affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias, but who know too little about how to recognize the disease, how to deal with it, how to provide care, or where to find these answers. There’s no shame in having Alzheimer’s; but there’s virtue in learning about it. Presenting the first talk, Alzheimer’s: A Disease, Not A Disgrace will be Saline resident Jim Mangi, describing his ongoing 11-year “unwelcome journey” as care partner for his wife, who developed Alzheimer’s in her fifties.
In This Together-Dementia Awareness is an integrated program offering talks almost every week through mid-July. Subsequent presentations, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, will address topics such as Know the Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, and Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Other talks will cover legal and financial planning, and caregiving approaches. Another talk, on 29 May, will present the personal perspective on the journey from a man who himself has dementia. The series will conclude on 17 July with a discussion envisioning a “Dementia Friendly Community”.
Dementia-related literature from the Alzheimer’s Association, and from the federal Government, and information about support groups and other resources will be available at all talks, and there will be time for questions and discussion after each presentation. All materials and presentations are free, a community service of Holy Faith Church, with the support of EHM Senior Solutions.
Holy Faith is an inclusive, affirming, Lutheran-and-Episcopal congregation where people of all generations and family groupings gather to seek God together and to reach out in care for the surrounding community. “In the process”, says Rev. Martin, “we share a lot of joy and laughter, support one another in difficult times, and come to know each other’s stories. All are welcome. Holy Faith can be reached at 734 429 2991. For program information and updates, information on dementia, and links to further information and support resources, go to In This Together at www.holy-faith-church.org.
You needn’t face dementia alone. Other sessions in this program will discuss Alzheimer’s and other dementias, caregiving skills, and where to get information and help:
May 8 – 7 pm Know The Ten Warning Signs of Dementia*
May 15 – 7 pm Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia*
May 22 – 7 pm Effective Communication Strategies*
May 29 – 7 pm A Family’s Journey: The Perspective of a Person Living with Dementia
June 5 – 7 pm Conversations About Dementia*
June 12 – 7 pm Understanding and Responding to
Dementia Related Behaviors*
June 19 – 7 pm Legal and Financial Planning Concerning Persons Living with Dementia
June 26 – 7 pm Brain Changes and Interaction Skills: Pt. 1
July 10 – 7 pm Brain Changes and Interaction Skills: Pt. 2
July 17 – 7 pm Envisioning a Dementia Friendly
Community
These free sessions are offered as a community service by Holy Faith Church. All are welcome. For more information and program updates visit www.holy-faith-church.org or our display at the Saline District Library. Program is supported by EHM Senior Solutions.
*Presentations in partnership with the Michigan Great Lakes Alzheimer’s Association.