Caregiver Retreat for People Providing Care to Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

Are you caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia? Do you have concerns about home safety, guardianship, or transitions of care? You can find answers and support at the free Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Retreat, co-sponsored by Fleming Memory Center, a program of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, and Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley, a community organization dedicated to connecting people to information about helpful resources and reducing stigma related to dementia.

Cara Scheetz, Director, LVPG Geriatric Medicine, encourages people who provide care for an individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to attend this program. “There are so many caregivers who may not know where to turn for guidance and support,” Cara says. “This free day of education is dedicated to them, helping caregivers better understand the journey ahead while connecting them with valuable tools and resources. Most importantly, we hope they leave knowing they are not alone and that there are resources ready to support them.”

Topics slated for the retreat are ones that members of the Fleming Memory Center team suggested, as well as concerns brought to their attention by caregivers as needed information. Topics will include: 

• How to protect yourself and your loved one against scams
• How to manage transitions of care (including in-home care, assisted living, etc.)
• Respite care
• Power of attorney/guardianship
• Home safety tips
• Medication and treatment

The retreat will be held on the campus of Cedar Crest College in Allentown. Registration is required and must be submitted by Sept. 30.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA 18104
Registration deadline: Sept. 30

Visit this page to register

At the last seminar, more than 200 people attended, many of whom found value in the time they spent:

• “The honesty and open discussions from all the speakers. They all shed new light on this recent journey with my husband of 55 years. So much information and encouragement was shared.”
• “I gained knowledge, awareness, and understanding about the progression of the disease from onset to death. This conference brought to light so many concerns through real-life stories. This was a powerful supportive day.”

Fleming Memory Center also offers support groups for caregivers throughout the year. Meetings are held weekly, with in-person and virtual options. Email FMC@jefferson.edu to get on the email list. “Additionally, we have monthly education sessions, as well as our ‘Savvy Caregiver Education’ course,” Cara says. For more information, please call Fleming Memory Center at 610-969-3390.