Dementia expert Teepa Snow is coming to Tsawwassen for one day only to educate families and health professionals on what it feels like to have this age-related illness, and teach practical care tips in a safe and fun environment.
With more than 30 years of experience in geriatrics, Snow is an occupational therapist and advocate for people living with dementia.
She will be at South Delta Baptist Church for two sessions on Friday, April 5.
Based in North Carolina, Snow provides educational and training sessions to organizations and care providers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and regularly lectures for gerontology and health professional programs at colleges and universities.
She is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and has received numerous accolades for her expertise in geriatrics, dementia care, and teaching skills.
Dementia is an umbrella term for brain illnesses that cause severe loss of mental ability and reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
There are a number of different forms of dementia caused by different physical changes to the brain, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common and well-known type.
According to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., close to 70,000 people in the province currently suffer from dementia, and as we face an aging population, the prevalence of dementia in B.C. is growing quickly.
Recognizing the need for more education around this age-related illness in the Delta area, leaders from The Waterford seniors' community felt their residents, their residents' loved ones, and the greater community would benefit greatly from the expertise of a specialist like Snow.
Whether you're a health care provider, a family member, or a friend of someone living with dementia, these sessions will be highly educational to better understand how the brain works (and doesn't work) for someone living with this disease, and learn new skills to provide the best care possible for someone living with dementia.
Admission is by donation with all proceeds will be split between two local charities - the Delta Hospice Society and Deltassist.
The morning session runs from 9: 30 a.m. until noon, and the afternoon session is from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
The event is being sponsored by The Waterford and the B.C. Activities Coordinators Association (BCACA).
