Here at Alzheimer’s Speaks we take our commitment to “Dementia Friendly Travel” very seriously. We are finding the need to clarify our relationship going forward with Kathy Shoaf, Elite Cruises and Vacations, LLC, and Cruise Planners/American Express who we used as our travel agent on our first cruise to the Caribbean last month. The need for clarification is due to two major factors.
1) There is much confusion and misconceptions in dementia communities around the world, about Alzheimer’s Speaks involvement with future Dementia Friendly Cruises being marketed by Kathy Shoaf, Elite Cruises and Vacations, LLC, and Cruise Planners/American Express. To clarify, Alzheimer’s Speaks has never been involved, nor will we be involved in their future events.
2) Due to an overwhelming response for Alzheimer’s Speaks to provide additional Dementia Friendly Travel, we have decided to do so under the titles of “Dementia Friendly Travel with Lori La Bey”and/or “Dementia Friendly Travel with Alzheimer’s Speaks,” so there will be no confusion going forward. This decision was not made lightly as it was after serious review of feedback from our dementia friendly program team and many attendees. We are honored and vow to hold to a high standard of providing Dementia Friendly Travel in the future.
Although the symposium and programs were highly rated, and many told us they can’t wait to do it again, we can’t apologize enough to those of you who had difficulties in any fashion regarding the cruise. Please know we have meticulous notes to improve the travel process, communication chains and our programming; to make our next venture even more fun and resourceful than the last.
Thank you again, for your understanding and your continued support of Alzheimer’s Speaks.
We are truly humbled and honored in your faith is us and promise to always continue to raise the bar when it comes to dementia.
We Still Owe You a Beautiful Article on Our Dementia Friendly Cruise.
We’ve all wrestled with a guilt trip – aging parents or a sick spouse who fear that we will not respect their wishes to stay at home. Statistics reaffirm that seventy-five percent of families try to do just that, despite the physical and emotional challenges of 24/7 dementia care. Often families turn to outside professional home care support.
24/7 care is often central to the Alzheimer’s experience. Every one of us facing this challenge – patients and care partners alike – strives to honor and help our loved ones live well with dementia. Home care providers and policy makers want to know what matters most to the A-LIST.
Tuesday we will have Wayne Mesker with us to talk about Rock Against Dementia. Wayne has been the CEO Worldstock Entertainment since Sept. 2008. He Founded Rock Against Dementia in March of 2014 at Cleveland Film Festival screening of Alive Inside. In 2016, with help of Purple Angel “Friends” Rock Against Dementia became World Rocks Against Dementia. Rock Against Dementia.
Thursday we are lucky to have Joey Chandler, the founder of “You Are Videos” where he turns smart phone selfies into video tributes for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. He is now working with hospice and Alzheimer’s organizations to show their patients the impact they have had on the world through the words of family and friends.
Memory Minders are specially created for caregivers
caring for people experiencing memory loss
The materials in these kits are specifically selected to spark memories, create conversation and provide positive and engaging interactions between people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and their care partners. The kits are divided into high, middle and low activity levels.
Each Memory Minder kit is uniqueand features an interactive activity for use with those with memory loss (such as a puzzle, bingo, games or conversation cards), a book with colorful illustrations created for individuals with memory loss, a cd with music to soothe and spark memory, and A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia by Laura Gitlin, which explores the use of activities and other techniques to prevent, reduce and otherwise manage the behavioral symptoms of dementia.
The Memory Minder Kits are available at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and Shoreview, and be checked out for three weeks. The kits are renewable and requestable via the library’s catalog at www.rclreads.org.
These kits were created out of a unique partnership between:
Ramsey County Library, Roseville Alzheimer’s & Demential Community Action Team, and sponsorships by Cherrywood Pointe, Lyngblomsten, Sunrise Senior Living, New Perspectives Senior Living, and the Friends of Ramsey County Library.
Today we are lucky to have Jenn Chan, the founder of the Senior Shower Project which is a project which shows appreciation for care partners.
Viki Kind has been on our a show few times and we are thrilled to have her back with us. Viki is a Clinical Bioethicist and a highly sought after speaker and author will share her thoughts about the project with us.
Dementia: Learning to Shift from Crisis to Comfort
November 11th – 18th, 2017
This cruise is ideal for anyone dealing with or who has dealt with dementia. If you fall into any of these categories, you will find this week-long Bahama’s cruise a must for you and your family.
Those diagnosed with early to mid-dementia are welcome to join us with their Care Partner (family, friends and/or professional).
Families and friends who have a loved one with dementia
Professionals working with those dealing with dementia.
Radio Host, Lori La Bey founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks has pulled a very special team together for a one of kind heartfelt cruise filled with fun, life lessons, techniques and insights to assist all parties with understanding and meeting the needs of those dealing with diagnosis.
The team’s goal is to provide a comfortable setting to relax and learn. By coming together as a common community, we can assist individuals, families and friends along with professionals to integrate life with dementia; maximizing moments and identifying and creating joy. You will learn simple techniques which have a huge impact, which allows individuals to live graciously with the disease. There will be plenty of time to relax and play while you mix in a much-needed vacation in a supportive, uplifting learning atmosphere.
A Cruise of Hope!
Alzheimer’s Speaks and Kathy Shoaf, RN, BSN, ATP of Elite Cruises and Vacation have given a lot of thought to this collaboration and are very excited to bring people together for a common cause to learn, share insights and build a new community of support filled with great resources. Not only will you learn from two dynamos’ shifting dementia care here in the United States, but these two are collaborating with others around the world to give you expansive knowledge and cutting edge information.
A Dynamic Duo at Your Call:
Lori La Bey & Cyndy Luzinski
Lori La Bey –
Moving Humanity Forward
Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a Minnesota based advocacy group making an international impact and providing education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Her own mother struggled with dementia for over 30 years.
Lori is a highly sought after speaker, trainer, and advocate for new delivery systems and attitudes towards those with memory loss. In November of 2013, she was appointed to be an International Ambassador for the Purple Angel Project, the new global symbol for dementia.
Lori ignited the fire that sparked what is believed to be the first Memory Café in the U.S. in Roseville, Minnesota in 2011, and the firstDementia Friendly Communityin the United States, in Watertown, Wisconsin in 2013. She was also involved with the launching of Dementia Caregivers Re-Entry Initiative fall of 2016.
Named the “#1 Influencer Online for Alzheimer’s” by Sharecare and Dr. Oz
In the fall of 2015, Lori become a Platinum Sponsor and helped launch the new Hollywood film, “His Neighbor Phil,”which highlights a wide range of emotions families struggle with, as well as the great depths of simple joys while on their path with dementia. The film and talk back will be part of this cruise.
Lori is driven to provide a variety of free resources to connect family, friends, professionals, advocates and those just interested in learning how to live positive and purpose filled lives with dementia.
Lori La Bey’s show, Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio is also believed to be the first program dedicated to dementia in the world, along with the first webinar series called, “Dementia Chats™,” whose experts are those diagnosed with the disease. Her goal is to continue to develop and provide unique delivery systems that have 24/7 access.
Cyndy Luzinski –
A Mover & Shaker making a Difference!
Cyndy Luzinski is an advanced practice nurse and dementia practitioner. She is a strong advocate for community collaboration and providing person centered dementia care. She is especially enthused to help others learn one of the person-centered care approaches called“Contented Dementia”because she has experienced how this simple approach makes remarkable differences in the lives of those who use it. Cyndy enjoys one on one consultation with families and facilitating a dementia care partners’ support group and two Memory Cafesin Fort Collins, CO. She is passionate about helping people discover that there is still a lot of living to do and joy to be shared even when dementia becomes part of the life journey. Cyndy is part of the Northern Colorado Music & Memory team and is also on the B Sharp Arts Engagement teamresponsible for the innovative program which allows people living with dementia and their care partners to attend the Fort Collins Symphony and participate in a research study related to music and cognition. She was named by the Coloradoan’s Mind + Body magazine as one of the 2016 Northern Colorado Superwomen. Cyndy is the founder of the volunteer initiative to build and sustain “Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado.”
Lori La Bey and/or Cyndy Luzinski will facilitate discussions with those who know the disease best, as part of our team is living with a dementia diagnosis!
Yes, You Read that Right
You will be shocked and grateful for the honesty and insights you will gain from those living with the disease. Each Expert Panelist is an international advocate.
Expert Panelists are International Advocates
Michael Ellenbogen –
An International Dementia Advocate & Connector
Michael is currently in his mid-fifties. Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 49. He no longer can work and had to give up his career as a high-level manager in Information Technology. Michael now spends his time increasing awareness of this disease, and works to increase funding for research. He also wrote a book called, “From the Corner Office to Alzheimer’s,” Which outlines his experience with Alzheimer’s. Michael serves on the Leadership Board for Dementia Action Alliance and is a Dementia Advisor for USAgainstAlzheimer’s.
Laurie Scherrer –
Teaches Us How to Live Beyond the Diagnosis
Laurie was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s & FTD in August of 2013. Unable to continue a professional career she turned her focus towards helping others through their dementia journey. She is a Dementia Mentor and active in many support groups. On her website, dementiadaze.comLaurie shares her feelings, challenges and symptoms in hopes of encouraging other Persons with Dementia to explore a life well lived with disease. Laurie is on the technology committee for Dementia Action Alliance.
Harry Urban –
A Calming Voice in Trying Times
Harry Urban’s life changed 13 years ago, when his world came crashing down on him with a diagnosis of dementia, of the Alzheimer’s type. Harry has refused to let the diagnosis ruin his life and so he created a social medial group called “Forget Me Not,”on Facebook which expanded to several sub – groups along with a Spanish group called “No Me Olvides”which is a dementia group designed for the Spanish community.
Harry writes a blog called “My Thoughts on Dementia”where he records his daily thoughts and feeling living with dementia. He also Co-founded a group called “Dementia Mentors”that provides mentors for any form of dementia.
Harry’s latest attempt to raise dementia awareness is creating a webinar called “Welcome to My World with Harry Urban” which features people living with dementia discussing ways they have adapted to their dementia and what they do to find happiness living with dementia. Harry is a voice that inspires us all.
Each of our Experts living with dementia is a founding member of Dementia Chats™ a free webinar series which discusses everyday topics and has brilliant insights to help those diagnosed and those dealing with dementia live better together. Dementia Chats Mission is to Shift Our Dementia Care Culture™. Our goal is to remove stigmas related to the disease by engaging people in conversation, answering their questions, listening to their comments and raising awareness in a positive light. We are firm believers in giving hope and empowering others to live with the disease not as the disease.
In addition to having a great time while you meet others with similar interests, you will receive access to resources, tips and tools to help you live better with and alongside dementia. Join us as we set sail together to become dementia friendly.
Learn About the New Global Symbol
for Dementia
The Purple Angel symbolizes a guardian over those living with dementia, their families and friends and those helping to raise awareness of the disease. The Purple Angel Project became embraced by individuals and organizations around the world and so the globe was added to show the impact and collaboration of this movement. Now, there is one symbol representing a global message raising awareness, hope and empowerment for all people living with dementia, their families and care partners.
Join Us as We Set Sail to
Shift from Crisis to Comfort Together
Our Itinerary and Tentative Progaming
Nov. 11th, 2017, Saturday – Private Cocktail Party prior to dinner
Ft. Lauderdale – Head Out to Sea
Nov 12th, 2017, Sunday– Time TBD – Am Devotion
Bahama’s 9:30am- 11:30am Program
Optional Land Excursions
Nov. 13th, 2017, Monday– Time TBD – Am Devotion
At Sea 9:30am – 11:30am Program
Group Lunch in Dining Room
1:30pm – 3:30pm Program
Nov. 14th, 2017, Tuesday – Time TBD – Am Devotion
San Juan 9:30am – 11:30am Program
Group Lunch in Dining Room
Optional Land Excursions
Nov. 15th, 2017, Wednesday– Time TBD – Am Devotion
St Thomas Optional Land Excursions
Nov. 16th, 2017, Thursday – Time TBD – Am Devotion
At Sea 9:30am – 11:30am Program
Group Lunch in Dining Room
1:30pm – 3:30pm Program
Nov. 17th, 2017, Friday– Time TBD – Am Devotion
Half Moon Cay Private Island 10:00 – 11:30am Impromptu Memory Cafés on the Island
Alzheimer's Speaks believes working together and sharing knowledge is the best way to win the battle against this disease. Please explore the site and share your thoughts.
Again I would like to Acknowledge 
Push Research Forward – Join the A-List
We’ve all wrestled with a guilt trip – aging parents or a sick spouse who fear that we will not respect their wishes to stay at home. Statistics reaffirm that seventy-five percent of families try to do just that, despite the physical and emotional challenges of 24/7 dementia care. Often families turn to outside professional home care support.
