When families are navigating life with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory loss conditions at home, it can be a challenge. It’s important for caregivers to get the proper resources and education so that everyone is supported in this difficult journey.
At Jackson Creek, our goal is to always be a resource for families and members of the local community as they explore their options in supporting a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. That’s why we provide programming opportunities and offer a myriad of support groups to help those searching for the best memory support program. Through monthly “lunch & learns” with industry experts, sponsored talks with the Alzheimer’s Association, and caregiver support groups, our retirement community strives to provide memory support resources to families and residents.
Creekside Family Nights
Creekside is our senior living community’s secure memory support neighborhood where we provide compassionate, person-centered care in a safe, homelike setting. Recently, we began hosting monthly family nights at Creekside. These gatherings provide a safe and welcoming place where residents’ families can meet face-to-face with our Executive Director and Memory Support Director to ask questions, discuss any concerns they may have, and talk about best practices and ways to support one another.
Caregiver Support Group
Recently, our team recognized that there is a gap in resources for families and spouses of a loved one living with progressive dementia. To better support these individuals, plans are underway to create a monthly Caregiver Support Group for family members impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. A member of our Life Enrichment team recently became a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and has a degree in Health Care Science with an emphasis in Gerontology and Senior Fitness. She is collaborating with our Life Enrichment department to develop a high-quality curriculum for this future support group.
Resident Memory Support Group
When a resident expressed that those who reside in our community’s independent and assisted living residences might also benefit from sharing their experiences with mild memory loss, we listened. Many thanks to our Life Enrichment Director for helping to organize this unique group open only to IL/AL residents. The idea is to give residents a safe place to talk about their current struggles, support each other, share ideas on how to better manage daily living, and discuss ways their family members can support their mild cognitive impairment.
Events & Sponsorship Opportunities
To further support those with a loved one experiencing memory loss, Jackson Creek hosts educational presentations led by dementia care experts from various organizations. This spring, we’ve partnered with Sheryl Scheuer from Gentle Shepherd Dementia Training and Consulting, as well as the Alzheimer’s Association to offer a series of Education Nights covering topics about understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, how to respond to dementia-related behaviors, and effective ways of communicating with a loved one experiencing memory loss. These events are always free and open to the public.
And in September, we will once again assemble a team of walkers to participate in Colorado Springs’ annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which helps raise funds to support research efforts and discover methods of treatment and prevention for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Jackson Creek is a long-time sponsor of this event.
Jackson Creek Senior Living offers memory support, assisted living and independent living, and respite care services. Call 719-259-1331 or visit jacksoncreekseniorliving.com if you have questions about our memory support program or would like to attend one of our upcoming events.
