The Watauga Dementia Project

05/24/2026

05/05/2026

Sharing this helpful resource on Medicare support and protection. Programs like SHIP and SMP can make a big difference for older adults and caregivers navigating coverage and avoiding scams. Take a look below 👇

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) go together like a lock and key: one helps you get the RIGHT coverage, and the other helps you STOP the wrong scams.

SHIP counselors are your free, unbiased guides to understanding Medicare, helping you choose the plan that fits your health needs and budget. SMP empowers you to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

In many communities, SMP and SHIP are even better together because they share the same office space, and many dedicated volunteers and staff wear both hats, serving Medicare beneficiaries through both programs. Together, they’ve got you covered from enrollment to protection.

Learn more about each program at their websites:
Get the right coverage. 🔑 shiphelp.org
Stop the wrong scams.🔒 smpresource.org

05/05/2026

Catch us at the King Street Farmers Market every 3rd Tuesday, starting on May 19th! Here to connect individuals and families affected by dementia with resources that can help 💜 52 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC 28607

04/12/2026

Tax season can be stressful, especially for older adults and caregivers.

There are free, trusted resources that can help you file taxes without paying high fees. This article shares options for getting support, both online and in-person.

If you or someone you care for could use a little extra help this season, take a look:

Help with taxes is widely available, and it’s also free. You can get hands-on assistance from AARP’s Tax-Aide program, receive free resources for your needs, or benefit from IRS’ tax help programs—all with no money and minimal hassle.

09/04/2025

ACAPcommunity’s First Fridays Lunch & Learn series is a great (and free) resource for adult children caring for aging parents. These monthly sessions feature experts discussing real-world caregiving topics, with practical info and helpful guidance.

Tomorrow at 12pm ET, the next session goes live:
"Caregiving in 2025: A Nation at a Crossroads"
Mark Hensley from AARP North Carolina will join ACAP’s Karen Summey to talk about how caregiving is changing, and what families need now more than ever.

You can watch live or catch the replay here:
https://acapcommunity.org/acap-lunch-and-learns/

If you're navigating caregiving or just want to stay informed, this is a great series to check out.

Welcome to “First Fridays with ACAP Lunch & Learn“. ACAP has expanded our award-winning podcasts into scheduled online events so you can ask questions as well as receive excellent information, insights, and tips from our guests, all of whom are experts in the topic being addressed.

08/15/2025

🧠 Supporting Caregivers in the High Country

If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, here's a wonderful nearby resource this fall: The Appalachian State University Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness is once again offering Dr. Heather McKay’s Dementia Education Series — a 6-part workshop designed specifically for family caregivers.

Led by Dr. Heather McKay, a nationally recognized dementia care expert and professor at App State, the series offers practical tools, shared experiences, and real-world strategies to help families adapt throughout the dementia journey.

📍 Location: Leon Levine Hall, Suite 132 – Boone, NC
📅 Dates: Mondays, 9:30–11 AM
Sept 22 | Oct 6 | Oct 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 1 (every other week)
👥 Separate supportive activities offered for care partners with dementia during the sessions.

Topics include:

- Understanding dementia & brain changes

- Communication tips that actually work

- Managing distress & behavioral symptoms

- Adapting care as needs change

- Supporting your own brain health, too

To learn more or register, email [email protected] or call 828-262-6628.

This is a great opportunity for anyone in the caregiving role to connect, learn, and feel supported 💙

Send a message to learn more

08/15/2025

Hearing “no” a lot when caring for someone with dementia? The way we approach can make all the difference. 💬💗

This article from Caregiver.com offers simple, thoughtful strategies that can help ease resistance and build more positive connections.

Key points:

A “no” response is common in dementia care. It’s often not about the request itself, but how it’s presented.

Instead of pushing into a task, try offering it in a softer way. For example, “Would you like to have your soup now or in a little while?”

Use a friendly tone, eye contact, and a calm presence.

Offer simple choices to give a sense of control.

If you hear “no,” step back, redirect gently, then come back to it.

Reinforce cooperation with something comforting, like a favorite snack or a song.

Avoid arguing or forcing. Redirection and warmth go much further.

Small shifts in how we ask can create more ease—for both the caregiver and the person living with dementia.

Feel free to share if you know someone who might need this today 💜

https://caregiver.com/articles/does-approach-matter/?ct=t%28Caregiver+Newsletter+8-14-2025%29&mc_cid=73de3faf74&mc_eid=5b94858bbf

If you are providing care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, it might seem that the word “no” has become a natural response to any question. “Ready for your shower?” “No.” “Are you hungry?” “No.”

12/01/2024

Did you know that Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is one of the most common types of progressive dementia, yet it's often misunderstood? This form of dementia can cause a mix of cognitive, motor, and behavioral symptoms, and it's crucial for both caregivers and healthcare professionals to be well-informed.

We invite you to watch this informative presentation created by Lewy Body Dementia Association to gain a deeper understanding of LBD, its challenges, and how to provide better support to those living with the condition.

In this session, you'll learn about:

The symptoms and progression of Lewy Body Dementia, effective strategies for healthcare professionals and caregivers, and
key insights into managing the complexities of this condition.



👥 Share this post to help spread awareness!

Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Our federal tax ID number is 91-1792864

10/14/2024

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be tough, especially when they fear being alone and follow you everywhere—this is called shadowing.

In a recent article, DailyCaring explores why this happens and share 5 helpful techniques to ease their anxiety and support you as a caregiver. 💖

Check it out! https://dailycaring.com/alzheimers-and-fear-of-being-alone-5-ways-for-caregivers-to-cope/

Why someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia has a fear of being alone and 5 techniques to reduce the fear that causes shadowing & help cope with the behavior.