A dementia diagnosis can leave a family stunned, and the follow-up question is almost always the same: what do we do now? Empath Health is expanding its dementia services across the Suncoast to answer that question, with many offerings available at no cost. The lineup includes caregiver support groups, workshops, one-on-one guidance, community presentations, Virtual Dementia Tours, and Memory Cafés where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize, dance, and enjoy activities in a dementia-friendly setting.
Because more than 100 forms of dementia exist, symptoms and experiences vary widely from person to person, which is why Empath emphasizes education and reducing stigma. Dementia Services Manager Amanda Swartzmiller says people don’t need to know where to begin before reaching out. The organization also trains first responders to recognize dementia-related behaviors and de-escalate stressful situations, a resource that benefits the whole community.
If your family is caring for someone with dementia, or you’re a professional who works with older adults, these services are local and ready now. You don’t have to wait until you have a plan to ask for help. What local resource would make the biggest difference for your family right now?
