NORTHWOOD – Area residents who are interested in gaining a deeper insight into the physical and cognitive
changes that occur in the various stages of dementia are invited to participate in several Dementia
Awareness Program workshops at Owens Community College’s Workforce and Community Services on Aug. 14.

Owens will offer two different workshops. The first, intended for family members and home caregivers of
individuals with dementia, will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The second class is designed for health care professionals who work with dementia patients and will occur
from 1-5 p.m. The classes will be held at the college’s Workforce and Community Services building on
Tracy Road in Northwood.
Earlier this year, Owens established the Dementia Awareness Program with the overall goal of providing
individuals with an enhanced understanding of dementia, which annually affects over 24 million
individuals worldwide, as well as a deeper sense of empathy toward those with dementia and educational
tools for a more healthy and productive interaction between caregivers and dementia patients.
Dementia is a mind-altering and devastating illness, both for those who have it and for their caregivers,
notes Jennifer Finch, adjunct faculty member in the Owens massage therapy program.
"Increased knowledge leads to better care, which eventually leads to less stress for the
caregiver," stated Finch, who is a nationally certified Dementia Practitioner and has 12 years of
experience working in long-term care facilities helping patients and families adjust to life with
dementia.
Workshop instruction will include discussion about the physical and cognitive changes that are occurring
within the dementia process, which is a progressive deterioration of the brain that leads to problems in
areas such as memory, learning and perception, as well as the physiological reasons behind the changes.

Attendees will also learn ways to enhance effective communication that will allow for more meaningful
interactions and visits, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and compassion, and minimizing behavioral
episodes common with the various stages of dementia between patients and the caregiver or family
members.
The registration fee for each workshop is $49. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7357
or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7357.