THE LONGEST DAY

This is an event of Good News Consulting.

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 Virtual via ZOOM.

The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. It is held annually on the summer solstice. The duration of this sunrise to sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with dementia and their caregivers.

This is a FREE online event, however, Good News Consulting ask that you make a donation. Please RSVP to receive your ZOOM link by Friday, June 17 by calling 717-843-1504 or emailing
[email protected].

Schedule:
8:00-9:00     Here Comes the Sun: Why Attitudes and Livability Matter in Dementia
9:15-10:15     Changing Caregiver Expectations and Honoring Family Traditions
10:30-11:30   Feeling Guilty? You’re Not Alone!
11:45-1:15      Lunch & Learn- Alive Inside
1:30-2:30       Medication Science or Art
2:45-3:45       Who Am I Now??
4:00-5:00     Dying Wishes Matter, Experiences of an End-of-Life Doula

Here Comes the Sun: Why Attitudes and Livability Matter in Dementia
Each sunrise brings new opportunities for making a difference in the way we think, feel, and
act about aging. Cathy Bollinger, Managing Director, Embracing Aging and Executive Director,
TroveStreet kicks off the morning sharing what York County is doing to improve how people
experience aging, and why it matters for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Changing Caregiver Expectations and Honoring Family Traditions
When the diagnosis of dementia touches a family, everyone is impacted, and families are often
overwhelmed by new expectations that they may face as the disease progresses. Caregivers will
often find themselves taking on new challenging roles and performing duties that they never
expected that they would need to manage while the ability of the person living with dementia
to express appreciation for the assistance dwindles. This presentation, by Connie Metzler from
LGH, will discuss how to approach new roles in a positive way while maintaining some longstanding traditions by adapting them with the help of family and friends. With summer
holidays and family vacation plans approaching, tips for making travel a success will be shared
as well.

Feeling Guilty? You’re Not Alone!
Do you ever feel like you don’t do enough for your loved one? Or that the care you give is not
good enough? Do you compare yourself to other caregivers and feel like you don’t measure up?
Maybe you find yourself feeling resentful. The dark cloud of guilt can follow each of these
scenarios. Feeling guilty is a heavy burden that many caregivers carry. Join Dr. Mary Ligon as
she explains more about the common phenomenon of caregiver guilt, the impact it can have
on you, and strategies for letting go.

Medication Science or Art
CRNP, Ann Marie Sommer, will discuss common medications used to manage the symptoms
of Dementia.

Who Am I Now??
Presented by Julia Dunn, M.Ed., LPC Clinical Director at Olivia’s House.  “All death is loss, but not all loss is death.” Often people think that grief is reserved for those who have experienced the death of a loved one, but grief can rear its head throughout the day, especially when we are caregiving for someone we love. Our loss of routine, expectations, and identity can lead to feelings of anger, guilt, and resentment – and we simply don’t have the energy for all of that! During this presentation, come ready to share your experience, frustrations, and losses that don’t involve death – we will provide education on how the bereavement process affects our brains and our wellness.

Dying Wishes Matter, Experiences of an End-of-Life Doula
by Lori Brenizer-Smith, CTRS, MA, CDP.  This will review; How to be more present with the person dying: Paying attention to their nonverbal cues, facial expressions. Having a dignified end of life, who you want to be with you (and who not to be with you)