Managing the behavior of a family member with dementia can be a harrowing task. Communicating with a person with dementia can be distressing for everyone. Wandering behaviors, especially as the winter months come along, become issues of safety as well as health.

Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources will host an informational workshop on “Managing Challenging Behaviors” on Friday, Oct. 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Anita Kent, OTR/L, of Good Samaritan Elder Services will help families develop behavior management action plans and/or how to modify environments to try to keep people safe. The goal of the presentation is to lessen stress and teaches families ways to take care of themselves while providing the best care possible.

“Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is hard work,” said Anita Kent. “The odds are that anyone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia will exhibit complex behaviors with which caregivers and family members must contend. Responding in a both helpful and healthful way is essential for everyone.”

“Managing Challenging Behaviors” is presented as part of the Memory Care and Wellness Services, a research project sponsored by Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources in partnership with Cascade Park Active Day, MultiCare Adult Day Health, the University of Washington School of Nursing and the Department of Social and Health Services. The project allows the individual with Alzheimer’s or other dementia to attend a day program two days a week while the family caregiver gets time for his/her own needs.

This workshop will be held at Cascade Park Active Day, 232 St. Helens Avenue, in Tacoma. The event is free and no RSVP is required. Pastries will be provided by Corina Bakery and everyone in attendance will have a chance to win a Starbucks gift card. For more information contact Connie Hanser, MCWS program case manager, 253-348-1637 or chanser@co.pierce.wa.us.