Williamstown Commons to Offer Presentation on Alzheimer’s Home Care

Print Story | Email Story
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Commons Nursing &  Rehabilitation Center is hosting a free presentation by geriatric specialist Mary King, MD, and Beth Hinkley Mougin, LSW, entitled “Insights for the Alzheimer’s Patient at Home,” on Thursday, June 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Williamstown Commons, 25 Adams Road.

The “Insights on Caregiving” program will present practical information on the challenges of caregiving at home, including communicating with loved ones with memory problems, identifying medical issues, managing repetitive and other problem behaviors, and recognizing and managing caregiver stress. The program will provide caregivers insight into their needs and issues related to care of a loved one at home.

“We encourage caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer’s, or anyone who has a loved one stricken with Alzheimer’s, to come to this informative presentation,” said Williamstown Commons Administrator Michelle Wuest. “This will also be a wonderful opportunity for people to strengthen their skills in Alzheimer’s care and also learn about the array the resources available to help support them and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Dr. King is a specialist in geriatrics with 20 years of experience treating diseases and syndromes common to older persons, including the evaluation and management of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. Having recently moved to the area from Hartford, CT, she now provides primary care and geriatric consultative services at Williamstown Medical Associates in Williamstown.

Beth Hinkley Mougin is a social worker with over 25 years experience in the fields of Alzheimer's Disease and Hospice with specialized focus on the needs of family caregivers. Hinkley Mougin is a medical social worker for the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Northern Berkshire. Hinkley Mougin has facilitated the monthly Alzheimer's Support Group for the past 16 years at the VNA & Hospice. She has managed special care units for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease in nursing home and assisted living settings with the focus on relationship-based care, and has provided community planning and caregiver education throughout Berkshire County.

Complimentary refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP for the reception, call Williamstown Commons at 413-458-2111.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories