Back row: Serenity Kelly, Cynthia Oakley, Sandra Wilson-Hypes and Amanda Webster.
(Little, Lomax and Oakley are AAWHAC Board members.)
“Dementia Caregiving in the African American Community: What You Need To Know” was the subject of a well attended, free seminar presentation provided on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Kent County YMCA in Chestertown, Md.
Created as a collaborative effort by the African American Women’s Health Advisory Committee (AAWHAC), Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) and the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the program was led by Marlyn Taylor, Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. Taylor offered an overview of various kinds of dementia, as well as information and coping strategies designed for those living or working with individuals and families affected by age-related cognitive impairment. The program wrapped up with a question and answer session during which attendees were able describe particular caregiving challenges and get answers on how to handle them.
“It was an extremely helpful presentation with a lot of very valuable information,” commented AAWHAC Board member Cynthia Oakley, of Worton. “Ms. Taylor reminded us that it is important to temper your expectations of a loved one with Alzheimer’s and gave us strategies to avoid triggers that make them agitated or upset. It was so helpful, I hope we can offer it again in the future because I know there are many people in the community who would benefit.”