Organizations and communities in the MHAC network have a range of virtual programs to support people living with dementia and their caregivers during the holiday season.

The Alzheimer’s Association of MA/NH is helping people honor and remember loved ones with dementia on December 21st – the winter solstice and longest day of the year. Join them, and request your free luminary kit here! Order a kit for yourself, or have one sent to a long-term-care facility. Write memories, messages of hope, or the names of your loved ones on the bag.

The local Alzheimer’s Association chapter also has a full schedule of programs – listed below – and the Boston Age-Strong Commission is promoting their virtual Virtual Spanish-speaking Memory Cafe (traditionally hosted in Jamaica Plan) on December 10th from 10am-12pm as well as a Black/African-American Memory Cafe (previously held in Roxbury) that has gone virtual as well, which will next meet on December 11th from 10am-12pm.

MHAC’s partners and communities are always encouraged to consider the Memory Cafe and Dementia Friends programs based at JF&CS and become promote dementia friendly communities alongside age-friendly efforts.

COVID-19 Programs:

Dec. 10 at 10 AM ► COVID-19 Caring Conversations: Coping with the Holidays. Presented by the Southeastern Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Partnership.

Programs in Spanish:

Dec. 7 at 10 AM ► Consejs para cuidadores en el hogar (Tips for Caregivers at Home)
Dec. 9 at 6 PM ► Cómo comunicarse con una persona con Alzheimer (Effective Communication Strategies)
Dec. 21 at 10 AM ► Reducir el estres (Getting Through the Day with Less Stress)

Especially for Caregivers

Dec. 1 at 4 PM ► Dementia Conversations
Dec. 8 at 4 PM ► Effective Communication Strategies
Dec. 9 at 2 PM ► Safety and Memory Challenges
Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 at 6 PM ► Living with Alzheimer’s, Late Stage (Two-Part Series)
Dec. 10 at 12 PM ► Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior
Dec. 22 at 12 PM ► Effective Communication Strategies
Dec. 29 at 3:30 PM ► Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior

For People Living with Dementia and their Families:

Dec. 3 at 11 AM ► ALZ Meet Up: Film Discussion
Dec. 10 at 11 AM ► ALZ Meet Up: Comedy Hour
Dec. 17 at 11 AM ► ALZ Meet Up: Music Discussion
Dec. 31 at 11 AM ► ALZ Meet Up: New Year Discussion

All Are Welcome:

Dec. 2 at 3:30 PM ► Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Dec. 3 at 12 PM ► Legal and Financial Planning
Dec. 15 at 6:30 PM ► AlzTalks Research Presentation: Dr. Claire Sexton
Dec. 16 at 2 PM ► Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Dec. 17 at 12 PM ► Know the 10 Signs

Partnership Events

Partnership events are offered by the Alzheimer’s Association in conjunction with local organizations that are committed to creating awareness and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and that strive to improve the quality of care and access to community services.

Dec. 1 at 11 AM ► Staying Resilient in Times of Prolonged Stress: What’s In Your Toolbox to Stay Healthy?Presented by the Neponset Valley Alzheimer’s Partnership.
Dec. 3 at 1:30 PM ► Dear Joanni….You Make a Difference! This is NOT an ordinary Alzheimer’s topic or story….this IS an extraordinary Alzheimer’s TRUTH.Presented by the Metrowest Alzheimer’s Partnership.
Dec. 9 at 2 PM ► Assistive Technology and Apps for Family Caregivers. Presented by the Greater Worcester Alzheimer’s Partnership.