Licensed massage therapist Danielle Kaczmarek\u00a0will be offering two free virtual presentations this month demonstrating massage therapy techniques for older adults and persons with dementia as well as ways to use massage to connect with older adults.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her presentation\u2014\u201cMassage Therapy in Elderly and Dementia Care\u201d\u2014is part of the ongoing online support groups for\u00a0family caregivers of persons with dementia\u00a0being conducted by the Guam\/Micronesia Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program of the\u00a0University of Guam School of Health.<\/p>\n
Kaczmarek has more than 10 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist and also has experience as a full-time family caregiver.\u00a0Kaczmarek will be available after her presentations to answer questions from participants.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Also this month, the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program and the Guam Museum will collaborate to offer a virtual tour of the Guam Museum\u2019s sixth gallery \u201cHumuyong-\u00f1a I Gera,\u201d which translates to \u201cThe Cost of War.\u201d The tour is\u00a0specially designed for families with older adults and persons with dementia who might not be able to visit the museum in person.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The tour series is conducted by\u00a0Guam Museum curator Michael Lujan Bevacqua, who holds a doctorate in ethnic studies and specializes in CHamoru history, language, and culture.<\/p>\n
The public is invited to tune in to any of the following sessions:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Massage Therapy in El derly and Dementia Care
\n 6pm-8pm, Wednesday,\u00a0
\n Feb.\u00a016, or\u00a0
\n 10am-noon, Saturday,\u00a0
\n Feb.\u00a019
\nGuam Museum Virtual Tour \u2013 Gallery 6: \u201cHumuyong-\u00d1a I Gera (The Cost of War)\u201d
\n 6pm-8pm, Wednesday,\u00a0
\n Feb. 23, or
\n 10am-noon,\u00a0Saturday,\u00a0
\n Feb. 26<\/p>\n
Support group sessions\u00a0
\nSupport group sessions are held remotely on Zoom every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, year-round. The sessions are free of charge to partners, family members, and other caregivers of persons with dementia who have ties to Guam and the Micronesian region.
\n\u00a0
\nWhat to expect
\nAll support groups are client-centered and confidential. They provide a safe place to share the stresses and challenges, successes, and rewards of caring for a loved one with dementia with others who may be going through similar experiences. They also provide a forum for caregivers to participate in presentations led by health care professionals and other community members with expertise in dementia care.
\nThe support groups are facilitated by Iain Twaddle\u00a0from the University of Guam,\u00a0who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist; Rhoda Orallo, a social worker with Health Services of the Pacific, who holds a master\u2019s in social work; and Nikolas Gutierrez,\u00a0a G\/M GWEP counselor\u00a0who holds a bachelor\u2019s in psychology.
\n\u00a0
\nHow to participate
\nTo attend a family caregiver online support group, use the following Zoom links:
\n\u2022 Wednesday Support
\n Group (6pm-8pm):\u00a0https:\/\/
\n zoom.us\/j\/92072878067
\n\u2022 Saturday Support Group
\n (10am-\u00a012\u00a0noon):\u00a0https:
\n \/\/zoom.us\/j\/91243370958
\nFor more information, contact Twaddle\u00a0or Nikolas Gutierrez at (671) 735-2883 or\u00a0gwep.tgss@triton.uog.edu\u00a0or Orallo at (671) 735-3277 or\u00a0nfcspmgr@teleguam.net.\u00a0(PR)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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