Support fair in Tonawanda organized by dementia caregiver to assist others in her situation

Submitted by the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

Elizabeth Potempa knows being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can have both joys and challenges, as she is currently caring for a close family member diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Potempa said she has received a tremendous amount of information and support on her caregiving journey from the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and wants to “pay it forward” by hosting a caregiver support fair for others in similar situations.

The free caregiver support fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at First Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 1570 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda. Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, Office for the Aging, and the Center for Elder Law and Justice will be on hand to answer questions and offer resources.

“I want people to know there is support out there and they are not alone,” Potempa said. “Finding the support you need is important so you can spend more meaningful time with your loved one as they go through the changes brought on by dementia.”

The fair will offer safety tools and tips, activity guides, links to free support services, legal information, and the opportunity to enroll in the New York State Yellow Dot program that assists first responders. Because her faith has been important in Potempa’s journey, there will also be prayer cards and a prayer area available for those who request them.

Participants are encouraged to stop by the caregiver resource fair anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. “Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.” Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.