UW-led program begins third year of dementia caregiving in region

The University of Wyoming has announced that the Wyoming Dementia Together – a statewide, nonprofit caregiver network offered through the UW Center on Aging (WyCOA) – has begun its third year of helping hundreds of families throughout the Rocky Mountain region care for loved ones with dementia.

According to UW, the WDT staff – which includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and caregivers — started meeting in fall 2020. Since then, the staff has been offering online programming help twice each month – scheduled every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

The programs feature a guest speaker and allow time for interaction from those who attend online throughout Wyoming and the region.

WDT has proven to be effective for those who participate in the online programs, the university reports.

Future program topics scheduled include “What Matters Most to Your Loved One: Conversations” March 8; “Caregiver Support: Using Technology to Ease the Caregiver Burden” March 22; and “Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Supporting You and Your Loved One: Resources and Navigation” April 5.

“We hope caregivers will join us on our calls, not just to gain valuable help and information, but also to realize they are not alone in their journey,” WDT team leader from Jackson Carol Taylor said.

For information about registering for the free online Zoom network sessions or other services offered by WDT, visit their website, here, or call the WyCOA office at 307-766-2829 or email wycoa@uwyo.edu.