To help support and educate those living with dementia and their caregivers the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Initiative is proudly sponsoring several dementia specific community events in May in celebration of “Senior Awareness Month",” which is recognized across the nation. Throughout the month, residents in Hopkins and surrounding cities are invited to attend the following events, which are free and open to the public.

Forgetfulness, Is It Normal or a Warning Sign

Thursday, May 2, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
St. Gabriel’s Church, Hopkins
Speaker: Jenny LaVoi, OTR/L from Emerald Crest Memory Care

Did you know Memory Loss is not a normal part of aging? Jenny will help us identify what is normal forgetting versus signs and symptoms of dementia. We will also learn about the common causes of dementia and what steps should be taken when you are concerned about a loved one’s memory loss. Learn about ways you can help maintain a healthy brain and overall memory. RSVP to 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.

Driving and Dementia

Tuesday, May 7, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
The Glenn Hopkins, Hopkins
Speaker: Kathleen Kiefer, OTR/L from HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease does not mean the end of driving days. This talk will cover how family members can prepare and plan to address the ability of a loved one with memory loss to drive. What clues should one look for and when does one start having these driving discussions. The earlier you start this conversation, the better. Learn how to address driving concerns, signs to look for, what role your health care provider can offer, what a driving evaluation looks like, watch a short video on what the evaluation includes, how to prepare for the evaluation and what the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services requires of the patient. RSVP to ssaffert@greatlakesmc.com.

Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Initiative Overview

Thursday, May 9, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Hopkins Activity Center, Hopkins
Laura Herman and Christine Drasher

Learn about the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Initiative and programs available in the community to help those living with Dementia and their caregivers. RSVP to 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.

Memory Cafe

Tuesday, May 14, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Hopkins Library, Hopkins
Facilitated by Peggy Gaard

Memory Cafés provide opportunities for those diagnosed with memory loss AND their care partner(s)/family to engage with peers in a relaxed, unstructured environment. The café atmosphere promotes social engagement and support through interaction with others experiencing similar lifestyle changes. The Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s is excited to support a monthly Memory Café to individuals with dementia and their Care Partners to: gather for exercise,  brain games, fellowship &  support in a safe, comfortable setting.

Hopkins Fire and Police Supporting ACT

Thursday, May 16, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Hopkins Fire Station, Hopkins
Garrett Grniet & Anne Marie Buck

The Hopkins Fire Department will be covering the CDC Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention for seniors, a safety talk on how to look for items around the home to prevent falls and injuries and what to do if you have a fall. We will also be discussing safe cooking habit and how to avoid kitchen fire as well as cover weather safety topics. The fire department will be allowing time for plenty of questions from the audience. The Hopkins police will partner with the Hopkins fire fighters to present information on how caregivers can best protect loved ones and those in their care. The police department will speak about a valuable community tool, Vitals - Aware Services, that is free and easy to use.  The police department will also share information from the MN Attorney General's Office on the Vulnerable Adults Act, mandated reporting of maltreatment, Adult Protection Services (APS) and Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC).  Additional information on home security and the prevention of fraud and financial crime will also be shared.
RSVP to 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.

The Gift - Author Rick Naymark

Thursday, May 23, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Hopkins Art Center, Hopkins
Speaker: Rick Naymark

Rick Naymark, author of the book ‘Alzheimer’s Gifts’, shares his fun and touching "attitude adjustment" for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's. While you may be shocked, depressed and overwhelmed by the changes in your loved one, and the responsibilities in caring for them, there are gifts along the way if you only know what to look for. Rick cared for his mother, who had Alzheimer's for eight and a half years. If you need to be lifted-up, then listen to what Rick as to share and help you focus on what really matters. RSVP to 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.

Dementia Friends Session

Tuesday, May 28, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Hopkins Activity Center, Hopkins
Presented by Hopkins ACT Action Team

Approximately 91,000 Minnesotans age 65+ are living with Alzheimer's.  A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia is underway in Hopkins with the support of local volunteers. ‘Dementia Friends’ Information Sessions give people an understanding of dementia and the small things you can do that make a difference. Dementia Friends is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way we think, talk and act about the disease. Dementia Friends sessions help you learn about dementia and the small ways you can help.  To RSVP please contact Laura Herman at (952) 697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.

Caregiver Support Groups

Open Circle

Tuesdays, May 7 and 21, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Hopkins Activity Center

The Hopkins Caregiver Support Group provides a blend of emotional support, resource sharing, and education. The group is a safe place to talk about feelings that are unique to caring for someone with dementia, particularly grief and loss. Support groups are vital to caregivers so they have others to walk with them on a journey that can sometimes feel lonely and stressful. The Hopkins Caregiver Support Group is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Hopkins Activity Center, and Open Circle Adult Day Center.

Emerald Crest

Thursday, May 23, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Emerald Crest, Minnetonka

Please join us for a light meal, a relevant topic about dementia and your loved one, followed by supportive compassionate conversation with others on the same journey. Questions?  Call Pastor Arlen at 612.554.6379 or email at apsolem@augustanacare.org.

The Glenn

Tuesday, May 28, 3:00 - 4:30 PM
The Glenn Hopkins, Hopkins

The Glenn Hopkins Community Caregiver Support Group is open to caregivers seeking support, information and education in caring for a loved one in various community settings. For more information contact:  Patti Knutson at 952-960-5560 or pknutson@greatlakesmc.com.

May’s Topic:  The Sacrifices of Being A Caregiver.

Please join us in a discussion on the sacrifices we make to be a caregiver for our spouse or other family member.  Have you given up a dream job, the dream of traveling, dreams for a different future with your family member? 

More Information

For a complete list of 2019 May events including descriptions, dates, times and locations click here.

About the ACT on Alzheimer’s Initiative

The Act on Alzheimer’s initiative is powered by the Hopkins ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team which includes members from; the Hopkins Library; City of Hopkins, Hopkins Fire and Police, Cassia Services and Communities; Chapel View Health Care Center; Emerald Crest of Minnetonka and Augustana Open Circle, Volunteers of America – Elder Homestead of Minnetonka, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hopkins Elks, and The Glenn. For more information, please contact Laura Herman at 952-697-5373 or Laura.Herman@cassialife.org.