By Kelsey Wichman, Executive Director, Woodstone of Hutchinson
Woodstone Senior Living of Hutchinson is a part of the Senior Providers of McLeod County. Kelsey Wichaman (Executive Director) and Erika Smith (Community Life Coordinator) worked on the committee with other providers in the McLeod County area to bring Tepa to Hutchinson to talk and educate the community about Dementia.
Tepa is an occupational therapist working on dementia care and specializes in dementia education. She has over 33 years of clinical experience in the field of geriatrics and dementia care as well as having provided care to family members with dementing illnesses. Tepa spoke on real life experiences, education, statistics, and gave hands on material for the sold out audience of 375 seats. The event was open to professionals, caregivers, friends, families, and the community. There were people that traveled as far as the Dakota’s to attend the one day educational training.
Woodstone Senior Living sent 12 staff to the event. Rachel (Care Provider) stated, “I have used jelly to disperse pills rather than pudding and couldn’t believe how much smoother it was. Also, I attempted with the hand over hand approach.” Jackie and Pat (Woodstone Family) said, “there was so much to absorb and hopes there will be another dementia education in the near future.”
It is great to get positive feedback back from the many hours that the Senior Provider group put into make this possible and to hear caregivers, families, and professionals want more education on dementia.
Remember the first Tuesday of every month at 6pm at Christ the King Church there is a Hutchinson Dementia Support Group for care givers, families and friends to attend. Which Erika Smith (Community Life Coordinator) leads this group, if you have any questions please call her at 320-234-8917.
