La Bey workshop to give insight on “brilliance in life with dementia”

INA, Ill. (July 13, 2015) - Participants have only days left to register for “Shifting Dementia Care from Crisis to Comfort,” a workshop presented by noted speaker and the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks Lori La Bey. The conference will give both professionals and personal caregivers the tools needed to change and positively impact the lives of those dealing with dementia.

The workshop will begin at 8:15 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 6 in the Rend Lake College Theatre. According to information from La Bey, “there is brilliance in life with dementia,” and she plans to share that vision and the current dementia-friendly movement with all those in attendance.

“The equation to live well with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is very simple, yet difficult to do. As adults, we have grown up and turned simple into complex. Life is complicated and unpredictable, yet life has not changed; just our perception of it has. We have been taught to control things, even that which is not in our control. We have learned to live in a false world, one where our egos lead the fight. A fight they will never win, no matter how persistent,” La Bey says.

She continues, “Please know there is brilliance in life with dementia. We just need to learn how to live in that world. Living in the moment is the only way to shift our dementia care culture. Each of us has power, but it is only available to us in the present moment. The past is over. The future, well, it might not unfold as we thought. Now, in the second before us, is our chance to make a difference, not only in the lives of those with dementia, but our own.”

Attendees will also learn about shifting perceptions of caring roles and the needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; making a difference and finding a balance when caring; and understanding what “Memory Cafés” are, how they work, and why they’re important.

Lori La Bey

“How do you see things in your life and others? Do you focus on the differences between more than what you have in common? If so, you are like most people in the world. It is amazing what Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have taught me over the past 30 years of my life. The gift of dementia through my mother’s diagnosis still sounds strange to say, yet is accurate in terms of outcomes. I have found that we must reach beyond logic, see beyond statistics, go beyond calculating our differences, and learn to feel the depths of our commonalities. I believe this is the only way to live life to its fullest, even when dementia strikes,” states La Bey.

She adds, “Come and learn new insights about connecting the dots to improve dementia care. Find the gifts wrapped in disease and illness. Join us and walk away with simple methods to live better with dementia. This event will help those diagnosed, the family and friends caring for loved ones, professionals in the industry, and those just wanting to be better citizens within their community.”

La Bey is the CEO of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a U.S.-based advocacy group providing global education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Her mission is to deliver programs, platforms, and collaborations which shift caregiving worldwide from crisis to comfort. In 2012, she was named the no. 1 influencer online for Alzheimer’s by Sharecare with Dr. Oz, and more recently, she was appointed an International Ambassador for the Purple Angel Project, the new global symbol for dementia.

Registration for the workshop is due Thursday, July 30. Six CEUs have been approved for professional counselors, clinical counselors, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Registering for professional development costs $40. Caregivers and those searching for personal development can register for $25 and earn 0.5 credit hours for attending. Lunch will be provided.

The workshop is sponsored by RLC and the South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center Network. For more information about the workshop or to register, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or email commcorped@rlc.edu.