LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Operating under the umbrella of the Havasu Community Health Foundation, the Dementia Connection program consists of compassionate volunteers of the community who are fully committed to giving education about the various determinants of dementia. The team is always aiming to decrease the negative beliefs of the disease, as well as give support to the patient’s family and loved ones. One longtime volunteer of 20 years is United Healthcare Case Manager Heather Minery.
With a work background with some of the local memory care facilities and learning the many faces of the illness at several conferences, Minery maintains that her participation as a humanitarian of the nonprofit is really what has given her a more in depth viewpoint on the disorder. “Volunteering here has deepened my understanding significantly. It’s really taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and meeting people where they are,” Minery said.
After a diagnosis, family members witnessing the behaviors of the condition could lead to many feelings of uncertainties. In a lot of cases, relatives may expect family members with dementia to exert unproved assertions, personality changes, or they fear losing the relationship’s foundation. Although there is currently no known cure to restore their memory, there is still hope.
In Minery’s experience, relationships can still be preserved even though the short-term memory is disabled.” Dementia affects everyone differently but emotional memory and familiarity remain intact longer. For example, even if someone doesn’t remember a staff member’s name or loved one’s name, they may remember how they made that person feel. Safe, comfortable, cared for, etc. Repetition, consistent routines, and emotional connections can also reinforce recognition,” Minery added.
Through the group’s ongoing activities, helping sufferers of memory loss sustain emotional bonds is what the dementia connection does. Throughout the past few decades, the case manager has diligently participated in impassioned events designed to fuel recollections such as gardening, dancing, making art, music, or simply having discussions about the past. Some advice Minery wanted to share with those seeking ways to provide care is to always remember that there is no such thing as “the perfect choice.”
Whether it be a decision of in-home or facility care, the healthcare manager feels that both practical and emotional needs should be considered in this process. Education about the progression of dementia is also a key factor. Minery also emphasized that those facing these challenges should always keep in mind that they are never alone and to find ways of support.
Dementia Connection of Havasu holds meetings for family members and caregivers the first and third Tuesdays of every month. The next one will be Tuesday, July 7 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Havasu Community Health Foundation, 2126 McCulloch Blvd. N, Suite 5.
Following that week, they will raise awareness against elder abuse at their World Elder Abuse event scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aquatic Center, 100 Park Ave. Including that it’s the unity she enjoys most about being a volunteer, that one laugh or smile from lighting up one’s day is the ultimate reward; however, it was through one of the club’s many events, that she was able to witness a joyful breakthrough.
“During a music session when a participant who rarely spoke suddenly began singing along to a familiar song from their youth. Seeing that spark of recognition and joy was incredibly powerful and reminded me how meaningful these connections can be,” Minery said.
