LifeCircles PACE will be hosting a free virtual event, “A Fresh Approach to Living Well with Dementia”, to discuss living with and navigating brain-change. 

Every 3.2* seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with dementia. This accumulates to 10 million new cases each year with countless lives affected. To address the challenges of living with and caring for brain change, LifeCircles PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) will share resources and insights with the West Michigan community during their virtual dementia fair on Thursday, January 12th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

“This event brings together the voices of many who are working to reduce stigma, share practical tips, and make life with brain change more meaningful,” said Heidi Gras, LMSW, Executive Director at LifeCircles PACE. “The LifeCircles Dementia Fair highlights the lived experience of people with dementia whose voices are often under-represented. This is merged with the work of professionals who unify and streamline interprofessional sciences with the goal of offering strategies we can use right now to help people live better at any stage.” 

The dementia fair will grant attendees access to a variety of health care experts as well as hear from individuals living with dementia. While many discussions about brain change focus on challenges, LifeCircles will highlight the ways individuals can thrive and find moments of joy and connection. This event honors the lived experience of individuals with dementia. 

LifeCircles provides an in-home alternative to traditional nursing home living. They offer support through in-home services, day centers, and community outreach. LifeCircles hosting this dementia fair is just one example of their dedication to their participants and sharing their expertise to assist Lakeshore communities. 

“This event helps honor those we care for at LifeCircles, and our hope is to make the West Michigan community a more dementia-friendly place to be,” said Dr. Allison Ilem, Ph.D., BCBA, Director of Behavioral Health at LifeCircles PACE and a PAC-certified instructor. “Our goal is to create a community that’s empathetic to the changes of those living with brain change.” 

A dementia diagnosis can be challenging for the individual and their loved ones, but LifeCircles is making it a priority to show that there are ways to provide respectful engagement and care to enhance the quality of life for those impacted by dementia in our community.  

LifeCircles was able to execute the dementia fair with support from The Michigan Health Endowment Fund, The UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation and in collaboration with The Positive Approach to Care, The National Council of Dementia Minds presents: A Fresh Approach to Living Well with Dementia.

To reserve your spot and learn more, visit Eventbrite and LifeCircles’ website. If unable to join from home, LifeCircles will be hosting watch parties at both their Muskegon and Holland locations. 

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About LifeCircles PACE: At LifeCircles PACE, we believe living at home matters to older adults, because we know it matters to you. Our program is unique in its simplicity and common-sense approach to senior care. LifeCircles has provided an in-home alternative to traditional nursing home living since 2009. We provide peace of mind and support to seniors and their caregivers by providing all-inclusive medical and support services in-homes and at our day centers. For more information, visit our website: www.lifecircles-pace.org. 

* According to Alzheimer’s Disease International