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- Heather LaFramboise, from Avita, provides insights and practical advice on working with elders with dementia – a Positive Approach to Care!
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- We learn about the extreme changes to vision experiences of individuals with dementia.
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- We are so grateful to Nebo Lodge (North Haven) for their generosity in hosting our Island Eldercare retreat. That’s what caring community is about.
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- The Seacoast Mission is so grateful for the participation of these island residents in the annual Island Eldercare Retreat. We heard from super presenters offering wisdom on dealing with grief, dementia, Maine’s death with dignity law, and elder abuse. And all participants were able to exchange information about what they are doing to create positive change in their own communities.
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- The inspirational Peggy Akers talks about harm reduction strategies for substance misuse.
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- Island elder caregivers are reminded about self-care! Time for some movement.
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- Island Health Director, Sharon Daley, inviting perspectives on what’s going well in eldercare and what challenges are most pressing for the islands.
BAR HARBOR, ME — The 2020 annual Island Eldercare Retreat wrapped up its second and final day on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Hosted by Maine Seacoast Mission at Nebo Lodge on North Haven island. Mission Island Health Services Director Sharon Daley, RN again served as master of ceremonies.
This visionary group of Maine island community members is spearheading personal, effective care for the elderly on Maine unbridged islands. The group is dedicated to improving on its already remarkable record of enabling island elderly to age in place, spending their final years with family and friends on their islands.
Island Eldercare Retreat presenters included Dr. Lauren Michalakes, a hospice and palliative medicine specialist; Chris Wolff, Elder Abuse Institute of Maine Director of Community Engagement, and Heather LaFramboise, Program Director for Avita of Brunswick.
“The Seacoast Mission is so grateful for the participation of these island residents in the annual Island Eldercare Retreat. We heard from super presenters offering wisdom on dealing with grief, dementia, Maine’s death with dignity law, and elder abuse. And all participants were able to exchange information about what they are doing to create positive change in their own communities,” said Mission Director of Development Chris Stelling.
“Maine boasts one of the largest senior populations in the nation, per capita. This means more experience from which to learn. And while aging islanders have different needs, they also have a hard-won knowledge and unique perspective that is an incredible resource,” said John Zavodny, Maine Seacoast Mission President.
“The caregivers and thought leaders who attended the Seacoast Mission retreat are also powerful advocates for — and obvious fans of — our most senior generation. And we at the Mission are grateful to be able to support their work through the Island Eldercare Retreat and network,” President Zavodny said.
During the year, between Island Eldercare Retreats, this group of island community members stays connected through, among other means, monthly check-ins via the internet and conference calls.
Director Sharon Daley said of the retreat, “We’ve had great presenters who generously offered their time and expertise to the group. We’ve all learned a lot, shared a lot. It’s a dedicated group of people who give a lot to their communities. It’s really nice to gather them together and give them a bit of a special time to learn from each other,” Daley said.
To learn more about Maine Seacoast Missions Island Health work, visit us online here.