News
The Wright Center’s Aging and Dementia-Friendly Symposium addresses tools, services for caregivers
The Wright Center for Community Health’s Geriatrics Service Line will host its second annual Aging and Dementia-Friendly Symposium on Thursday, March 26, from noon to 5 p.m., offering education and awareness to help community members recognize aging- and dementia-related issues early and take appropriate action.
The free symposium is for medical professionals, clinical learners, long-term care providers, social service organizations, patients, and family members. It will take place in the auditorium at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Presentations will be delivered by experts from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and more.
Bryan Stevenson, a trainer with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, will present “Montessori Methods of Dementia Care,” highlighting evidence-based, non-pharmacological approaches to patient-centered care. The presentation will explore rehabilitation and educational techniques designed to engage individuals living with dementia and support their independence.
The symposium will also feature remarks from a local caregiver. Attendees will also hear from representatives of a national caregiver support program called Carallel, which offers a variety of resources, including caregiver advocates and an app built specifically for caregivers.
Bryan Stevenson, Center for Applied Research in Dementia
A representative from the state Department of Aging will discuss PA CareKit, a free collection of tools, information, and resources designed to help caregivers learn more about their role and plan ahead. PA CareKit supports the vital work caregivers provide to Pennsylvanians of all ages. More information is available here.
AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania will host an information table at the symposium to provide details on the organization’s Medicaid managed care services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and prescription drug benefits.
The symposium is free, but advance registration is required. A virtual attendance option is available. Light refreshments will be provided, courtesy of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement.
To register, contact Nicole Flynn, director of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Geriatrics Service Line, at [email protected].
More than 320,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older and more than 7 million Americans are living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The degenerative brain disorder affects memory, thinking, and language, and is one of the nation’s leading causes of death. In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 500,000 family caregivers support loved ones with daily activities and complex care needs.
The Wright Center for Community Health’s Geriatrics Service Line, recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner, provides comprehensive, whole-person primary health and support services for older adults. A cornerstone of the service line is its Alzheimer’s and Dementia Clinic, which offers thorough evaluations and testing to all patients, regardless of their primary care provider.
The Wright Center is among a select group of health systems nationwide chosen to implement UCLA’s award-winning Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program. This innovative model addresses the complex medical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals with dementia through personalized care plans developed by advanced practice clinicians and dementia care specialists in close collaboration with patients’ primary care physicians.
