The 30th annual Alzheimer’s Conference, presented by the Alzheimer’s Resource Center and Wallace Community College, will be held Monday, April 8, in the Dothan Civic Center. Professional healthcare workers as well as family caregivers are encouraged to attend. Typically, this well-attended conference features outstanding speakers who are passionate about helping professionals and families understand the dynamics of Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are pleased to have Dr. David Geldmacher join us for the morning session of our conference,” said Kay Jones, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Resource Center. “He will give us the most recent updates involving Alzheimer’s research. He is passionate about finding a cure for this devastating brain disease. I encourage the members of our healthcare community to come and hear what Dr. Geldmacher has to share on this topic. He gives a lot of insight into what is taking place in the research arena.”

Dr. Geldmacher is the director of Memory Disorders and Behavioral Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is also a professor of Neurology and Neurobiology at UAB.

Two years ago, inclement weather, unfortunately, forced the cancellation of the conference. Attendees missed out on hearing from Robin Dill, creator of an innovative interactive respite care program. Dill helped launch the respite care program that is directed by Katie Holland at First United Methodist Church.

“I know our attendees two years ago were disappointed that we had to cancel our conference,” Jones said. “One of the speakers we had contacted was Robin Dill, who is the former director of Grace Arbor Respite Care Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, Ga. We’re grateful that she will be able to give her presentation this year. She provides a wonderful insight into providing a program for individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. At the same time, this program allows caregivers an opportunity to take a break while knowing their loved ones are involved in an activity-filled program in a safe environment.”

Jones notes Dill’s respite care idea, while launched through church programs, can easily be adapted to other venues.

“Robin has a lot of wonderful and proven ideas that can be used by activity directors in long-term care and assisted living facilities,” Jones said. “I know these professionals are always looking for creative ways to engage their residents in meaningful activities, and Robin’s program will certainly be of benefit to them.”

Registration/sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m. The conference will open at 8 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.

Continuing Education Units will be available. The fee, with CEUs, is $75. The fee, without CEUs, is $25. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Wallace Community College is an approved provider of continuing education for the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABNP0035-exp. 3/2021). RN/LPN’s and OT’s are approved for 7.2 contact hours. CEUs pending approval for up to 6 contact hours: certified counselors, social workers, speech therapists, nursing home administrators, and assisted living administrators. 

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must follow the guidelines set forth in the Alabama Code 700-X-2.09.

To register using MasterCard, Discover or Visa, call Shaletha Barnes-Blackmon at 334-556-2205 or mail check with registration form to:  Wallace College, Attn: Shaletha Barnes-Blackmon, 1141 Wallace Drive, Gary Hall, Dothan, AL 36303.