063. The Oasis Program: A lifeline for primary caregivers

Your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia - now what? As Bronwen Zilmer would say, you can’t do it alone, so find your community. As the founder of Oasis, a weekly caregivers’ day out program in Lewisville, Texas, she knows firsthand how important it is. This program was inspired by her experience caring for her father with dementia when she was only 29 years old, and it offers caregivers a 4-hour reprieve. Not only that, but attendees with dementia get to enjoy a program of fun and a sense of community each week. With Senior Living Expert Lori Williams, Bronwen discusses: - Her experience with dementia and how she started the program - What the Oasis program offers to caregivers and seniors with dementia - Top 3 tips for caregivers caring for someone with dementia Takeaways from this episode: - Caregiver’s day out programs help give you a break, but they also provide joy and fun to your loved ones with dementia. - Music and aerobics are important in creating joy in those with dementia. - You don’t have to go through caregiving alone. Find a support group and you’ll have a community of people who understand what you’re going through. - Everyone’s Alzheimer’s experience is different, so be prepared for the possibilities. Look at home help and memory care communities so you have a plan. - Chat with a senior care advisor. Not only will they help you develop a plan in case your loved one needs memory care, but they’re also connected to various care resources. Reach out to Bronwen about Oasis at fbclewisville.org under “Ministries” and then “Care” https://fbclewisville.org/ministries/care/ 214 394 4721 [email protected] Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/ To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/ https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/ https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/ Topics discussed: - Dementia - Alzheimer’s - Dementia caregivers - Caregiver support groups - Caregiving tips - Memory care - Senior day programs - Activities for people with dementia