CRMC Memory Loss Seminar

“I Already Told You . . . Don’t You Remember?” will be offered as a free Cuyuna Area Connections seminar Thursday, Nov. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby for family members and caregivers who want to understand memory loss, dementia, and dementia communication.

The session will help attendees re-focus on what the person with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia needs you to know. Topics will include understanding the significant differences between age-associated memory impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and reducing frustration by learning the language of dementia. Also discussed will be communication strategies known to prevent or decrease the intensity of challenging behaviors and ensuring pleasurable and meaningful connections for you and the person with dementia.

The seminar will be presented by Erin Bonitto of Gemini Consulting, a nationally known speaker, educator, and dementia communication coach. She has been a presenter at nearly 500 aging services and dementia care conferences. Bonitto had a career in healthcare beginning as a dietary aide and later earned a B.A. in Psychology, a M.S. in Gerontology, and an Activity Director Certification. She is the innovator of Life Enrichment Systems for Dementia, an education, programming, and skill coaching framework.

“Non-Pharmacologic Approaches for Managing and Preventing Challenging Dementia Behavioral Symptoms” will be offered by Bonitto from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for long-term care professionals and other healthcare providers. Lunch will be provided for attendees of both sessions at 11:45 a.m.

Those attending should use the door to the right of Heartwood’s main entrance and wear a face mask. Registration is required by Monday, Oct. 31, by calling CRMC’s Social Work Department at 218-546-2357.