Upcoming ‘Perfectly Wonderful Moments’ Event Promoted on “Connections”
Author Jolene Brackey was a guest on WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson this week ahead of St. John’s Perfectly Wonderful Moments series, which features Brackey’s “Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey”.
The series, which is being sponsored in partnership with Lifespan and Nazareth University, includes a virtual book club during the month of October, a panel discussion at Nazareth University on November 6, and culminates with the caregiver event, How to Find Joy in Caregiving featuring Brackey at Brickstone by St. John’s on November 7.
On Connections Brackey provided a preview of the helpful content that attendees can expect at the How to Find Joy in Caregiving event. From focusing on communication and self-care, to adapting to a new normal — Brackey will share her insights and practical tips for family members and friends of people living with dementia, who desire to create more moments of joy in their role as caregivers.
Also on the panel was St. John’s Dementia Quality of Life Specialist Mimi DeVinney; Katy Allen, division leader of the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute for Lifespan; as well as St. John’s Meadows Resident Barbara Smith.
Barbara Smith, the primary caregiver for her husband Bill who was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, is an avid attendee of St. John’s caregiver programing like, the dementia caregiver respite program, support groups, and will attend the upcoming event.
During the show, Smith told Dawson and the panel that in many ways, she is “mourning” her husband as his dementia has progressed.
“This is the last part of our life together, so we want to make the most of it,” said Smith, though she does miss the “old Bill.”
Experts DeVinney, Allen, and Brackey all agreed that this is a normal feeling during the caregiving process.
“Ultimately the goal is to let them be as they are,” said Brackey.
Katy Allen mentioned that it is crucial early on to “be an advocate with your physician and medical professional,” when you begin to notice changes. “I think everyone at the table would agree that connecting early on with a professional for help is beneficial,” said Allen.
Mimi DeVinney said that she recommends Brackey’s book to family members of St. John’s Home residents with memory loss.
“It gives the family a whole different perspective,” said DeVinney. “The book helps them focus on the positive especially in the nursing home setting.”
Learn more about Brackey’s book, the free How to Find Joy in Caregiving event, and how to register.
Listen to the full Connections episode.