Memory Care Cafe, book signing

SEBRING –– Every month author and certified dementia practitioner Lisa Rodriguez offers the ‘Purple Angel Memory Café’. This month it was held at The Manor at Lake Jackson assisted living facility in Sebring and was sponsored by Vitas Healthcare.

“Memory Cafes are for our loved ones with dementia and their dedicated caregivers,” said Rodriguez, who is also a Purple Angel Ambassador. “It’s a time for fun, fellowship, free food, crafts and music. It is a worry-free time in a ‘dementia friendly’ atmosphere with absolutely no stigmas.”

Purple Angel Ambassadors are volunteer advocates working to bring awareness to dementia and give support to those suffering from the disease and their caregivers. “We strive to make a difference by making and creating dementia-friendly communities,” Rodriguez said.

Door prizes are also presented to those with lucky tickets.

The speaker for the meeting was Gary LeBlanc, who co-authored the book ‘Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Behaviors’ with Rodriguez. The book is available at www.amazon.com, most online booksellers or on LeBlanc’s website at www.commonsense?caregiving.com.

Rodriguez explained the book she wrote with LeBlanc is in “... larger-print style and has short chapters that are easy to read and understand.” Another book may soon be in the works, specifically for teens dealing with a family member with dementia, something Rodriguez is very familiar with.

The dining area of The Manor at Lake Jackson was filled with local people out for the afternoon enjoying the snacks, games, activities and gaining a better understanding of the disease.

“The support group becomes a second family for many caregivers. ‘Support’ means that you are not alone in this journey,” said Rodriguez. “There is great respect for everyone here. The support group is confidential.”

“I was personally touched by the disease,” explained Rodriguez. “My grandmother lived with it for 13 years. I was the oldest grandchild and played a big part in her journey. I remember going with my mom after school to care for her. Sometimes she (the grandmother) didn’t even know me.”

LeBlanc’s grandmother had Alzheimer’s, but was not diagnosed during those days. “I have experienced an 18-year journey so far,” he said. “I was my dad’s caregiver as he had Alzheimer’s and I’m currently taking care of my mother as she has vascular dementia.”

The Memory Care Café was decorated in the signature purple color for the ‘Purple Angel.’ Rodriguez is a very special ambassador for the ‘Global Purple Angel Campaign.’ Purple Angel pins were available, too.

“Their meaning is simple,” said Rodriguez, “to raise awareness of all types of dementia; to show support for those diagnosed and their caregivers; to remove the fear, isolation and stigmas associated with the disease and to become a global symbol for dementia that has no language barriers.”

Sponsor of the event was Vitas Healthcare with representatives Ashley Kessler and Rayna Olazo-Ramirez present. “It’s amazing how this community has come together here. This is wonderful,” said Kessler. They offered information, water bottles, cooler bags and other goodies at their table.

Latoya (Aoife) Baker was there leading the attendees in some fun craft activities. Baker is a representative with Serenity Heart, a local non-medical homecare provider.

“It is critically important to keep talking. Depression can quickly set in and we want to prevent that from occurring with supportive social events,” said Rodriguez. “We are working very hard to make Highlands County a ‘Dementia Friendly Community.’ We would be the first in the state.”

Michelle Dannels, executive director at The Manor at Lake Jackson, was the hostess for the event. “We have 40 beds that are all full. There is a 15-bed addition in construction that should be completed around the end of this year.”

If any families in the community living through their journey with Alzheimer’s or other dementia’s need more information on services available in the community, or would like a speaker on dementia-related topics, contact Rodriguez at 863-449-0264 or lisarodriguezllc@yahoo.com.