GREENPORT, N.Y., June 5, 2023 – Peconic Landing, the East End’s only life plan community, is pleased to announce a four-part Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Awareness Education Series hosted in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. The events will begin in June in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and will be open to the public, including older adults, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about brain health and Alzheimer’s disease.
The presentations will be led by Peconic Landing’s Director of Health Services, Jennifer Drofenik. Drofenik serves on the board of directors for the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and is a volunteer Community Educator for the organization.
“We are thrilled to launch this educational series on brain health and Alzheimer’s awareness,” said Drofenik. “Our aim is to empower individuals with knowledge about brain health, provide practical tips for maintaining cognitive well-being, and help families make informed decisions about brain health and dementia care. We believe that by raising awareness and enhancing understanding, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s.”
The schedule for the educational series is as follows:
- June 7 at 3pm – Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research: Learn about lifestyle habits we can adopt to keep our bodies and brains healthy, and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline. Covers four areas associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, exercise, diet/nutrition and social engagement.
- July 5 at 3pm – 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: This session provides information about memory loss and normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Learn about the risk factors and 10 warning signs, and understand the benefits of early detection.
- August 2 at 3pm – Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s and the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Understand the stages, risk factors, current research and treatments available to address symptoms.
- September 6 at 3pm – Effective Communication Strategies (For Caregivers): Communication changes occur in a person with dementia, and this session will help identify strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. This session will help caregivers learn to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language and will help both parties connect in meaningful ways.
The series follows closely behind the launch of Peconic Landing’s new respite care program in its award-winning memory support neighborhood, Harbor South. The program offers short-term stays for individuals living with cognitive impairments while their loved ones and caregivers are relieved from their responsibilities to travel, work, or rest. Respite guests can enjoy spacious private accommodations, artistic and educational opportunities, and social events and outings, while their loved ones gain peace of mind knowing healthcare professionals are available 24/7 with a state-of-the-art personal response system in place.
“Peconic Landing is committed to serving the community and promoting healthy living,” said Robert J. Syron, President and CEO of Peconic Landing. “These educational events, along with our respite program for memory support, are part of our ongoing efforts to provide resources and support for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. We invite everyone to join us on this enlightening journey towards a better understanding of brain health.”
Admission to the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Awareness series is free, but registration is required. To secure your seat or obtain more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900.
For more information on respite care at Peconic Landing, visit www.peconiclanding.org/respite or contact Laura Rutkowski, Case Manager, LPN at 631-593-8323.