Memory Care Resources

Caring for a family member or loved one with dementia can be an all-consuming and difficult task. In honor of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, we have put together a list of resources, books, and educational events that can help you care for and engage with your loved ones.

Events

An Evening with Lisa Genova: Alzheimer’s Day in RVA 2019
Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 pm
Join the Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation on November 13 for an evening of education with best-selling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity as Lisa shares insight into the latest science, discoveries, research and reality of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

This event is sponsored by the Rick Sharp Alzheimer's Foundation and requires purchase of a ticket to attend. Other events listed here are Library programs and are free and open to the public.

The Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation is a local nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease through funding innovative research. Rick Sharp was a local business leader and philanthropist whose diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2010 brought a passion for finding a cure for the deadly disease that would eventually take his life. He fought nobly to help find a cure for future generations. The foundation, and his wife, Sherry, continue this work.

Henrico EngAGE
Fairfield Library
Friday, November 08, 2:00 pm
This is an information session intended for the aging population, their families, and caregivers. The Advocate for the Aging’s Office strives to fulfill needs of Henrico County’s aging population by enhancing social engagement, wellness, and independence. The Advocate for the Aging serves Henrico residents 60 and older, their family members, and caregivers by providing information and referral services, assisting caregivers, communicating current and changing needs of the aging population to Henrico County government agencies, raising awareness about aging services offered by all county agencies and departments.

Alzheimer's Association: Holiday Tips
North Park Library – Thursday, December 5, 3:00 pm
Gayton Library – Thursday, December 12, 3:00 pm
The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together, but for families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, the holidays can be challenging. Take a deep breath. The Alzheimer's Association will show how, with planning and adjusted expectations, our celebrations can still be happy, memorable occasions.

Fun First Fridays: Healthy Habits for Your Brain
Varina Library
Friday, December 6, 10:00 am
Come out the first Friday of every month for movies, local history presentations, genealogy and more! Bring your own lunch; the library will provide coffee, tea, and water. The Alzheimer's Association presents Healthy Habits for Your Brain and Body. For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected, but now, science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Alzheimer's Association: Managing Caregiver Stress
Sandston Library
Friday, December 13, 3:00 pm
Alzheimer's caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. We'll learn more about common symptoms and ways to avoid burnout.

Information and Resources

For basic information regarding Alzheimer’s disease, start with this article from MedlinePlus. This database from the National Library of Medicine provides an overview of the disease with many helpful resources including information on diagnosis, treatment options, statistics and research, and clinical trials, all from sources you can trust. Also available in Spanish.

Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End by Tia Powell, MD – Powell goes beyond simply searching for answers, instead blending personal experience, cultural history, and scientific research to further the conversation on how we help those living with dementia.

The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring For People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace, MA and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH – This book is considered one of the best guides to caring for someone with dementia. The 6th edition features new information and updated research.

Memory Activity Book: Engaging Ways to Stimulate the Brain, For People Living With Memory Loss or Dementia by Helen Lambert – The physical and mental exercises Lambert provides are a great way to keep those living with dementia engaged and active.

Caregiver Kits – Reminiscing and engaging with images, music, and sounds, as opposed to text, can help those with memory disorders find the words they wish to use in conversation more easily. Our Caregiver Kits contain a variety of media, books, and photo cards with images and questions about the past designed to spark conversations. This can help foster connections between those living with dementia and their caregivers. They are perfect for spending a nostalgic afternoon together reminiscing.