'Aging Isn't for Sissies' Medical, legal options for seniors, families focus of Samaritan event

MOSES LAKE — The medical and legal options open to individuals and families as they age, especially when there's a diagnosis of dementia, will be the subject of an information night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Grant County International Airport terminal. “Aging Isn’t for Sissies” is sponsored by the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation.

This is the second time the foundation has sponsored an information night for people navigating the challenges of getting older, for themselves or family members. They are common challenges in a society with aging populations, said Gretchen Youngren, director of development and communications for Samaritan Healthcare. “Based on feedback from attendees we’ve decided to dive a little deeper and talk about what a family member can do for their loved one through this process, and what they should know and plan for in advance of the onset of these difficult medical issues,” she wrote.

“We know it is a personal and sometimes sensitive topic.” The goal is to help people understand their options, “and ensure they are connected with the resources available in our community.”

Speakers will talk about the medical and legal challenges that can come with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's. Speakers will include Michael Graham, physician with Confluence Health-Moses Lake Clinic; Tara Zamarron, Samaritan Clinic nurse practitioner and Bruce Pinkerton of Larson Fowles PLLC, a Moses Lake legal firm.

That will be followed by a question and answer session with Ken Sterner, Aging and Adult Care of Central Washington; Paul Riegel and Terri Riley Brown of Assured Home Health and Hospice, Laurie Ahmann, Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, and Kathryn Trumbull and Richard Donaldson of Samaritan Healthcare.

Speakers and panelists will talk about possible signs and symptoms of dementia, and the steps family members can take in response to a diagnosis. “How to get themselves or their loved one set up and into a provider,” Youngren wrote, “Learn how they can advocate and be a part of their loved one’s care team and ensure (the patient) is receiving timely and adequate health care when the need arises.”

But a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis presents more than just medical challenges. “They’ll also learn about the legal side of aging, and what types of tools and resources are available for patients in our community.”

Admission is free and appetizers, dessert and beverages will be provided before the program.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.