LIAF's 9th Annual Commemorative

Candle Lighting Ceremony

on Thursday, November 18th 

7:00 PM

Sponsorship Opportunities Available.

Call LIAF at (516)767-6856 for more information. 

Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation's

23rd Annual Remembrance Ball 

on Friday, October 22, 2010

at 7:00 PM

at the Garden City Hotel 

Dinner and Dancing

with Music by the Glenn Drewes Band &

Special Performance by:

Ben E. King of the Drifters

For more information call LIAF at (516)767-6856.

Panel of Local Women from LIAF Support Group Present at "Coping and Caring" Conference

For nearly half-an-hour the crowd in the Crest Hollow Country Club ballroom sat in hushed silence, as Marilyn Ward, Jennie LoJacono, and Maxine Atkins shared their experiences as family caregivers.  Some in the audience nodded as Marilyn and Maxine discussed the challenges of adjusting to their husbands' dementias and many dabbed tears from their eyes as Jennie shared the sorrow of a mother watching her daughter's decline into the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.  Through their words, as well as their united presence on stage, the women shared with the audience the tremendous support, friendship and camaraderie they have found in one another during this most challenging of life's journeys.

The three women are participants in LIAF's Dix Hills Caregiver Support Group.  Together with the group's facilitator, Alana Rosenstein, LMSW, they offered the audience a unique look at the emotional intimacy and practical guidance available in LIAF's support groups. 

Slowly audience members began to raise their hands -- first to thank the women for the honesty and courage of their presentation, and then to share their own experiences as family and professional caregivers.  One woman shared her struggle to feel valued in her role as caregiver.  Another asked the panel's advice in addressing her mother's agitated and sometimes aggressive behavior.  The panelists responded with warmth and understanding, allowing the questioners to experience the validation and group strength that support groups can provide.

 If you would lilke more information about LIAF support groups, please call (516) 767-6856.

Emergency planning includes making double copies of identification, medical and contact information - one for you and one for a caring individual outside the area. Make sure your loved one is wearing medical ID jewelry. Carry a photo of the person with dementia in case he or she gets lost. Keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container that you can easily take with you.