Getting to Know Dementia: A Free Six-Part Series - First Class: What is Dementia, Really?
Schedule
Wed Oct 15 2025 at 10:00 am to 11:30 am
UTC-07:00Location
645 W Orchard Ave, Hermiston, OR 97838-1671, United States | Hermiston, OR
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Discover new techniques and practical insights from Positive Approach to Care®certified Advanced Trainer and Consultant, Rod Harwood, brought to you by Good Shepherd's Vange John Memorial Hospice located at 645 W Orchard Ave in Hermiston.This six-part workshop is entirely free and is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of dementia and provide practical tools for building positive, respectful relationships with individuals living with changing cognitive abilities. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or community member, this series offers valuable insights to support compassionate and effective care.
Participants will:
• Develop an appreciation for what happens when the brain is changing due to dementia, as opposed to
changes caused by normal aging, stress, or other factors.
• Learn about brain function and the specific changes that occur during dementia—gaining insight into
not only what is lost, but also what is retained. This knowledge helps guide the “just right” level of
support.
• Be introduced to the GEMS® model of dementia progression, which emphasizes remaining abilities and
provides guidance on how to adjust your approach to create positive, meaningful connections.
• Learn and practice how to use visual, verbal, and touch cues to connect with individuals in any state of
dementia using the Positive Physical Approach®, a core element of the Positive Approach to Care™.
• Understand how care partners can become effective advocates, adapting relationships and daily
routines to support quality of life and preserve dignity.
Sessions are 1.5 hrs on following dates & times:
Wednesdays, Oct. 15th- Nov. 19th, 10-11:30am
1: What is Dementia, Really? - Oct. 15th
2: What Brain Changes and Shifts in Ability are Noticed When Dementia Happens? - Oct. 22nd
3: Looking at Progression and Seeing More than Loss: The GEMS® State Model - Oct. 29th
4: The GEMS® State Model: In the Right Setting with the Right Care, all GEMS Can Shine - Nov. 5th
5: New Skills for Helping and Supporting - Nov. 12.
6: Being an Advocate and Building a Support Team - Nov. 19th
To Register:
Contact James Lafolette, Hospice Chaplain
[email protected]
541-667-3543 ext. 3814
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Where is it happening?
645 W Orchard Ave, Hermiston, OR 97838-1671, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
