Radiokop church hosts dementia workshop

Ridgecrest Family Church hosted a one-day seminar that aimed at aiding those in the community living with dementia, their families and carers. The seminar, Walking the Road with Dementia, took place on September 27 and hosted an array of medical professionals, social workers and leaders in the field of dementia.

The seminar was planned and put together by a group of volunteers who are passionate about raising awareness about this degenerative disease. Dr Christa Chidwari chaired the morning session while Declan Torpey chaired the afternoon session.

Torpey shared his experience with the crowd as a primary caregiver to his wife for over 16 years. He shared the ups and downs, and how he and his family decided to give his wife the best possible care while still taking care of themselves. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

“I knew that what happens is predicated by your attitude,” shared Torpey. He explained that having someone close to you diagnosed with a form of dementia is sad, but it is also a big commitment.

“I refused to let Alzheimer’s dictate my relationship with my wife, Renee,” reaffirmed Torpey.

After Torpey, Dr Susan Coetzer talked about the difficulty in diagnosing dementia as well as the different methods doctors use to diagnose the disease. From physical to cognitive examinations, doctors extensively examine the lifestyles and symptoms of the patient to ascertain if they have this degenerative disease or are just a bit forgetful.

Debbie Beech, a social worker with experience in caring for people with dementia, explained how caregivers and support staff can help ease the anxiety and stresses of going to the hospital for those in their care by ensuring they have familiar clothes or items with them, packing them snacks, their aids, and items to distract them from the hospital setting, like books or puzzles.

During the afternoon session speech therapists, registered nurses and occupation therapists shared their insights.