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Living Life After 50
For More Information See Article On Page 3
Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs
June 2026
Vol. 39, No. 4
A SAFE SPACE — Facilitator Karen Kauffman lays out free informational pamphlets at a Dementia Dialogue meeting Wednesday, May 6. The confidential support group offers a space for caregivers of people with dementia to share their stories. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
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STAND BY ME — Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services Director Angel Baginske, left, and WNDU anchors Caroline Klapp and George Mallet are pictured at last year’s Stand By Me Walk. The walks raises funds for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, which provides free dementia care resources in five counties. Photo provided by Joe Collins.
Caregivers are ‘not alone’ - dementia resources available By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer “People find that they’re not alone in this situation that’s been changing, they feel like they can express some of the emotions they’re going through,” said Karen Kauffman, facilitator of the Dementia Dialogue support group, Warsaw. The confidential support group for caregivers of people with dementia has been meeting for 14 years, offering a space to freely discuss the complicated emotions that
arise when caring for a spouse, parent or other loved one. “I’ll always start with just reminding people that it’s a confidential space, and we really want to give this opportunity to talk freely about their situations that are challenging, and we want to respect each other,” Kauffman said. Members of the group are able to share their stories, ask questions and listen to guidance from others about the situations they have faced before. “There was one lady coming to the group who realized her approach needed to change in
how she talked to her husband. She needed to start agreeing with him more,” Kauffman recalled. “First, they started getting along better, but it was because his brain was changing, his ability to think. He didn’t need to be aware of every little thing.” Meetings also offer free information on current resources. A recent guest speaker gave the group an update on current dementia research and medication options. Local elder law attorney, William Stockdale, also visits the group to offer guidance on
getting legal affairs, such as power of attorney and advanced directives, in order. Dementia Dialogue is one of 30 groups facilitated by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, a branch of REAL Services. The organization provides family consultations, memory screens, community education and many other resources in Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. Through Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services, families can receive free consultation on their loved one’s care.
Your Family’s Financial Security Is At Risk
”We can help them with the empathy aspect of it, we can help them form a plan,” said Program Director Joe Collins. With the guidance they receive, families can make an informed choice between at-home care, adult day programs, memory care facilities and more. “Some people struggle with guilt, like they’re not doing enough,” said Kauffman. “But there are so many ways you are caring for your loved one. Even if people have to put their loved one in a type of facility ... I would say that you are caring Continued on page 3
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