ADRC E-News

Upcoming Events & Workshops



Get the basics about Alzheimer's (and other dementias), disease progression, providing care, legal issues, community resources and more. 
• April 4 – “What is Dementia? What are the warning signs?”
• April 11 – “How does the disease progress? What should I expect?” 
• April 18 – “How do I start the conversation? How do I cope with the shock?”
• April 25 – “What are the typical moods and behaviors? How do I manage them?”
• May 2 – “How do I pay for care? What are the legal things I should do?"
• May 9 – “Where can I turn for help? What are the resources I can rely on?”
Held Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Parkland Spanaway Branch Library, 13718 Pacific Avenue, S.  Attend any or all of the discussions. Sessions are free and open to all.  No RSVP required.  Call 253-798-4600 for additional details.

Caregiver Film Series
Grand Cinema - 606 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma
Doors Open 10:30 a.m.;  Films begin at 10:45 a.m.
May 11 - You're Not You  (Click here for free tickets.)  (Film starts 10:45)
When an accomplished pianist is diagnosed with the devastating and incurable disease ALS, she hires a directionless and self-absorbed young woman who becomes here full-time caregiver.  Complete opposites, the strangers eventually form a life changing bond inspiring each other to live life to the fullest, while being brought together by the most challenging of circumstances.  (The film is rated R for some sexual content, language and brief drug use.)  Free tickets available online or call the ADRC at 253-798-4600. 
June 8 - Intelligent Lives  (Tickets available May 13)  (Film starts 10:45)

Keys to Caring @ Home
About 80% of us will need some form of long term care in our lifetimes.  And about 80% of that care will be provided at home by family.  The best care can produce the best outcomes.  Whether adult children are caring for their parents or older adults are caring for their children and grandchildren, it’s important to choose the right care that maximizes quality of life and minimizes wasted expenses.  Learn what services are available, how to ask for the kind of care you need, the costs involved, options for paying for care and the pitfalls that can easily be avoided with a little advance knowledge. Free; No RSVP
May 6 – 6:30 p.m., Parkland Spanaway Branch Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S.
May 13 – 12:10 p.m., Pierce County Annex, Main Meeting Rm., 2401 S. 35th St.
May 13 – 6:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Branch Library, 4424 Pt. Fosdick Dr., SW.
for more information call the ADRC at 253-798-4600.

Kinship Caregiver Day Proclamation
Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed May 15, 2019 as Kinship Caregiver Day throughout the state of Washington.

June 3 - Giving Care, Taking Care
Are you caring for an adult with a chronic condition or disability? This all-day event is specifically intended for caregivers of all sorts.  Keynote speaker: Wendy Lustbader.  Learn about creative caregiving tools, legal planning, dementia basics, grief, loss and other difficult emotions, reducing stress, family dynamics and more.  Early registration through May 13, 2019: Family and volunteer givers - $35; agency-based community caregivers - $55.  Preregistration required online or call 800-422-3263.  Held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S., in Tukwila.  Sponsored by DSHS, Pierce County ADR and Full Life.

June 6-July 18 - Powerful Tools for Caregivers
"Powerful Tools” is a 6-week program that provides unpaid family caregivers with the skills and confidence needed to better care for themselves while caring for others. Participants receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class.  Free; RSVP required. Call 253-798-4423.  Space limited to 15 participants.  Must commit to attend all six sessions.  Held 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the South Hill Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup.