What can one possibly learn from a person who has dementia?  “Quite a lot,” says Debbie Selsavage, President of Coping with Dementia LLC.  She explains, “Most, if not all of the disruptive behaviors associated with dementia are provoked by caregivers who do not know how to ‘listen’ to the dementia person they are caring for.”

It’s an idea that many in the care industry still have difficulty accepting, but Selsavage claims she has seen evidence time and again that learning to understand the dementia person’s point of view and read the signs they are sending us will enable an astute caregiver to reduce or eliminate disruptive behaviors.  She says, “The key is compassion and empathy.  We must try to understand the world as they experience it.”

Selsavage will discuss her theories and methodology for better communication at the Coastal Region Library, 8619 W, Crystal Street in Crystal River from 1 to 3 p.m., June 22, 2017.  Her talk, which is free and open to the public, is entitled “Learning from Your Loved One: How can the person living with Alzheimer’s and dementia teach us to be better caregivers.”

While the presentation is free, reservations are requested.  Please call 352-422-3663 or e-mail deb@coping.today to reserve a seat.