On October 1st our team hosted The Dementia Experience at the Boulder Public library.  The event promotes greater compassion for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through experiential learning. Participants completed a series of tasks while wearing simple alterations to their senses, like vision-limiting goggles.  Participants were invited to talk through and process their experience with Windhorse Staff and other participants afterwards.  For many, the experience mimicked the frustrations caused by dementia allowing them to feel what their loved one might be experiencing as a result of the disease.  The event brought in around 20 folks from the surrounding community including several family members and caregivers.  We were also able to provide education and information about the effects of living with dementia to library patrons who stopped by for a chat.

We offer this event free to the public several times a year as well as offering it as a training to facilities working with folks suffering from Dementia.  If you are interested in joining us at one of our public events please check back on our site for upcoming dates and details.  For a private event please contact us at:  info@nullwindhorsecare.com.

Meet Windorse Elder Care’s 2016 team for the Boulder Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  The team joined 985 other walkers on a two-mile course through the CU campus in an effort to raise funds for Alzheimer’s support, care, and research.  The event raised a total of $180,204!!  A big thank you to the entire community of folks who support the event and a special shout out to our own walkers.  You can find out more about the event at:  The Walk to End Alzheimer’s site. 

Several of our caregivers had the chance to meet their hero, Teepa Snow at an Understanding Dementia Care training event in early July.  Our caregivers participate in ongoing events and trainings in an effort to bring the best and most current care trends to the clients and familes we serve.  Teepa Snow is a dementia care and education specialist with over 30 years of experience in geriatrics. Teepa works closely with senior living facilities and dementia specialty service providers throughout the country to improve and optimize programs and services to people with dementia and their families.  You can find more information on her website at:  www.teepasnow.com

Self-care is one of the main ways our caregivers stay on top of their game.  Several times a year the company offers opportunities for folks to gather and practice together.  In May, our team had the opportunity to work with local equine therapist, Jackie Ashley, and her horses in the field.  The day was spent engaging in mindfulness activities with the horses aimed at practicing non-verbal communication and bringing the team into their bodies in the present moment, all wonderful techniques they’re able to use for themselves and with their clients.

Collective Seeks to Ease Caregivers’ Burdens – Megan Quinn
Boulder Daily Camera • May 11, 2013

This article features interviews with Jyoti Sharp, Kathy Emery, Judith Oakland and Prescott Knock; who discuss contemplative care-giving and the emerging Contemplative End-of-Life Project (CEOLP).

Click here to view the article