2025 Caring for Caregivers Seminar Series
Session 1
Today’s Speaker is Amanda Buck-
BA in Psychology
Masters in Health Administration
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Certified Senior Advisor
Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer
Board Member of Elder Orphan Care
Director of Community Engagement for Carolina Caring
Description of Session: This speaker first explains and relates the confusion surrounding dementia and related diseases for both the patient and the caregiver. She then details the various types of: Respite Care (informal, home care, home health care, and senior daycare), Long-Term Care (independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing including memory care), and End-of-Life Care (palliative and hospice care). She describes the necessary end-of-life conversations and explains how to advocate for a loved one through discussions with care providers. Several references are cited throughout the presentation where caregivers can seek out specific assistance with their loved ones.
Session 2
Today’s Speaker is Shelly Sedory-
From Pittsburgh, PA
Attended Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing
Registered Nurse from LaRoche College
Several years in Critical Care Nursing
Masters in Education from Penn State
College Professor in Health Education
Worked with Dr. Charles Edwards at Memory & Movement Charlotte for eight years
Currently training other practitioners and caregivers
Description of Session: This speaker uses three different Bible stories to Define the breadth and depth of caregiving; Suggest ways to reach out to friends and family for assistance; Help caregivers identify their needs and highlight the roles of medical professionals, social workers, respite providers, friends, and family near and far. She describes caregiving as both a calling and a privilege. Several references are cited throughout the presentation where caregivers can seek out specific assistance with their loved ones.
Session 3
Today’s Speaker is Dr. Charles H. Edwards-
Cardiovascular Surgeon for 30 years
Dementia Care Training from Johns Hopkins
Founding Physician of Memory & Movement Charlotte
Author of Two Books on Aging
Now Training Practitioners and Caregivers
On the Board of Memory & Movement
Description of Session: “We may not yet have the potential to impact Alzheimer’s Disease, but we can make a huge impact by walking with the caregivers.” Dr. Charles Edwards draws on his personal and professional experience to delve deeply into the events and emotions surrounding the Five Stages that caregivers and patients must go through with debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. He ends by describing the caregiving experience as a gift that can transfigure the caregiver. Several references are cited throughout the presentation where caregivers can seek out specific assistance with their loved ones.
Session 4
Today’s Speakers:
Dr. Carol Jaenicke Psychologist
Dr. Lucy Preyer Psychiatrist
Dr. Ruth Yoash-Gantz Neuro-Psychologist
Description of Session: To wrap up this series, a panel of professionals [who are all members of DCPC’s Mental Health Matters Committee] answer nine questions from audience members covering: The difference between normal aging and dementia; Diagnosing methods; Depression vs. Dementia; Roles of various physicians and specialists; How medications can help and hurt; Why get a diagnosis at all?; Non-pharmaceutic helps like certain diets and the importance of mobility and exercise; Addressing new behaviors creatively; How to stop procrastinating and move forward; Several references are cited throughout the presentation where caregivers can seek out specific assistance with their loved ones.