Conference to discuss balance in dementia care

The Family Choices series, presented by the Diocese of Baton Rouge, is offering a one-day conference devoted to finding the balance in dementia care.

The conference is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Catholic Life Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thruway.

The keynote speaker will be Jo Huey, founder of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Institute and author of “Alzheimer’s Disease: 10 Simple Solutions for Caregivers.”

Other speakers include:

• Linda Melancon, who as a lawyer and owner of The Legacy Center of Louisiana LLC, works in the areas of elder law, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits planning, estate planning, successions, probate, and business planning to help Louisiana families leave a lasting legacy.
• Jan Latimer, director of Employment Development Services, a nonprofit agency that works with more than 90 community rehabilitation programs across the state to provide employment for people with disabilities.
• Dana Territo, director of services for Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area/Charlie’s Place and a member of the Board of Directors for the National Adult Day Services Association and LEADER (Louisiana Enhancing Aging with Dignity through Empowerment and Respect).
• Rose Colley, a geriatric social worker in private practice who worked for 12 years for Louisiana State Department of Health and Human Resources, determining eligibility for various public assistance programs and performing administration duties.
• Ryan Verret, who has joined Louisiana Right to Life to coordinate the organization’s new Center for Medical Ethics, which will work to protect the vulnerable born from both direct killing and denial of lifesaving medical treatment, food and fluids through both education and legislation across the state.

Breakout topics will include The 10 Absolutes of Alzheimer’s Communication and Care; Legal issues; Cooking & Dietary needs; and Communication and Government programs. Panelists will also address specific questions and concerns.

Cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Lunch will be provided. Register at http://www.brfamilychoices.org/ or call the Office of Marriage & Family Life at (225) 242-0323.