Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources will host a new series in May of its “Oh My Gosh, Now What?” discussions that are designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, families, caregivers and others focusing on the initial journey of memory loss.

The sessions – which will cover topics such as warning signs and symptoms, managing behaviors, legal concerns, financial issues and local resources — will be held Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7 p.m. at Lakewood Senior Activity Center at 9112 Lakewood Dr. SW. They’re free to attend. 

The schedule:

• May 14: “What is Dementia? What are the warning signs?”
• May 21: “How does the disease progress? What should I expect?”
• June 4: “How do I start the conversation? How do I cope with the shock?”
• June 11: “What are the typical moods and behaviors? How do I manage them?”
• June 18: “How do I pay for care? What are the legal things I should do?
• June 25: “Where can I turn for help? What are the resources I can rely on?”

The discussions will be led by Kris Sawyers-Dowling and Jessica Girard, case managers with Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources who specialize in advising individuals and families coping with memory loss. 

“Not all memory loss can be attributed to Alzheimer’s or other dementias,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources, a program of Pierce County Human Services. “But when it is, families need to know about the help that is available. The best approach is to find out how to tap those resources that can help caregivers in their new role.  The worst approach is to think that caregivers have to do it all by themselves.”

Additional information is available from Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600.