UW-Led Wyoming Dementia Together Offers Program on Upholding Dignity in Dementia Care May 20

"The Heart of Care: Upholding Dignity in Dementia Care" is the topic of a Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) program Wednesday, May 20.

WDT is a statewide, nonprofit caregiver network operating through the University of Wyoming's Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA). WDT meets by Zoom call every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The free online programs feature guest speakers and allow time for interaction from those who attend online.

Everyone living with dementia is deserving of dignity, and family care partners of those living with dementia are often the strongest protectors of their loved one's dignity, according to Dr. Catherine Carrico, a clinical associate professor at the University of Wyoming, and associate director of WyCOA.

"These family care partners work tirelessly to ensure that a person's wishes, preferences, identity and values continue to be honored throughout the dementia journey," Carrico says. "During this session, we will explore what it means to uphold dignity in everyday care and share practical strategies to foster moments of connection, respect and meaning for both the person living with dementia and those who care for them."

WDT includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists and caregivers themselves. WDT began meeting in fall 2020 and has been offering online programming help.

Future WDT program topics will feature "Building Your Care Network: Getting Started with Supportive Care Services," June 3; and "Open Conversations: Explore, Learn and Ask the Professional Support Team," June 17.

For information about registering for Zoom calls and the other free services offered by WDT, call WyCOA at (307) 766-2829 or email [email protected].

For more information, go to the WDT Caregiver Network website.