Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is one of the most generous acts of love. Whether you are a family member, friend, neighbor or support partner, it’s an opportunity to learn the value of being present in the moment and to share the joy of togetherness, no matter how long it lasts. It’s also a demanding commitment that can be unpredictable and lonely, and it’s commonly marked by grief.
This is a compassionate presentation with our Caregiver Coaches & Experts: Tami Anastasia, Dementia Caregiver Support Counselor; Lisa Bricker, Elder Care Consultant; Melissa Long, Director of Education and Support at Insight Memory Care Center; and Monica Moore, Community Health Program Manager for the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research & Care at UCLA.
Learn about the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the impact of caregiver grief. Our panel explains why losses in communication, companionship, intimacy, roles and relationships can cause caregivers to grieve, even when their loved ones are alive. They also discuss ways to remain energized in the face of relentless responsibility, ease the pain of ongoing loss, and alleviate the discomfort of a shift in identity. The presentation is ideal for all who are interested in learning more about unacknowledged grief, including professionals who are seeking information to support others.
Tami Anastasia is an Alzheimer’s and dementia counselor and educator, providing one-on-one caregiver support, guidance and strategies to help make the dementia journey easier on the caregiver. In addition to her work as a dementia counselor and consultant, Tami facilitates dementia caregiver support groups and conducts educational workshops and personalized one-on-one educational sessions.
Lisa Bricker is an Elder Care Consultant, Placement Specialist, and Founder of Gently Guided, LLC. She helps families transition forward with compassion. She has served hundreds of families of diverse needs as a Senior Care Consultant and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Placement Specialist. Families feel peace of mind as she takes the burden of “feeling alone” off of their shoulders.
Melissa Long is the Director of Education and Support for Insight Memory Care Center. Melissa coordinates support groups, caregiver workshops and educational events for caregivers and their loved ones on the journey with dementia. Melissa has been providing care to older adults for 17+ years.
Monica Moore, MSG is the Community Health Program Manager for the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care at UCLA and the Co-Director, Training and Education Activities, UCLA-California Alzheimer’s Disease Center. She has worked in the field of aging and Alzheimer’s disease for 20 years focusing on community education and outreach and caregiver support. She holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from California State University Long Beach and a certificate in Gerontology from Sonoma State University.