Navigating the Journey of Dementia: Free Presentation and Open House for Caregivers, West Bloomfield Mar. 2

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Free Presentation and Open House for Metro Detroit Caregivers on Navigating the Journey of Dementia to be Held on March 2 in West Bloomfield.

 Event presented by the Brown Program, an adult day program that provides activities and care for those living with dementia and their family care partners, at two centers in Southfield and West Bloomfield.

The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program which provides innovative and engaging activities, care, and socialization for those living with dementia along with support for their families, will be offering a free program designed to support caregivers on Sunday Mar. 2 at its West Bloomfield location (6720 West Maple Road). The Brown Program is a joint initiative of Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life. Navigating the Journey of Dementia: Advocacy, Support and Embracing Acceptance will feature a talk from Jim Mangi, PhD, who was a caregiver and is now an educator, advocate and founder of Dementia Friendly Saline. Dr. Mangi’s wife developed early onset Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 57 and he had been her caregiver for 17 years. During that process, the scientist and former business owner became an expert on caring for his wife, who passed away recently, and is a well-known speaker about dementia care, providing essential advocacy strategies, valuable resources and support to other caregivers. The program, which begins at 1 p.m. will also offer attendees a tour of the Brown Center, refreshments and a question-and-answer session with Dr. Mangi.

“Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be so isolating, so to hear from someone like Dr. Mangi who has extensive knowledge and insight about the experience is very valuable,” said Brown Program Director Debi Banooni. “It can be very hard to accept the new reality – that the relationship you had with your partner has now changed so much, that the parent who took care of you now needs to be looked after – but Dr. Mangi talking about his own journey will be very relatable to our audience and offer an important guide.”

Banooni added that when a diagnosis of dementia is made it can be “expected or unexpected”.

She said: “It’s a moment when your whole life shifts but there is help. Adult day programs such as ours can be a huge support to families, ensuring their loved ones get expert care and enjoyable activities, while family caregivers get time for their own interests or needs.”

The event is generously sponsored by the Dee dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers Fund.  To register for the program, preferably by Feb. 25, email Joanna Dorfman at jdorfman@jslmi.org or call 248.661.6390 ext. 1.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents. With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.

About Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit

Founded in 1907, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) provides six inclusive residential communities with a continuum of care on two campuses in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, Michigan. JSL enhances the lives of older adults, embraces Jewish values, nurtures a sense of community, and celebrates life through innovative enrichment programs and services that support the social, physical, cultural, and spiritual wellness of all participants. JSL is a nonprofit organization that welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. Visit https://jslmi.org/.