Last night our Assisting Hands Home Care – Davis & Weber Counties team had the privilege of attending The Purple Tie Foundation Education Series in Ogden, featuring guest educator Rhett Wimmer, LNHA, CDP, PAC-CIC/T. The evening focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia prevention, and practical ways to support families already walking this journey.

Events like this are exactly why we love being part of the Davis and Weber County senior-care community. The room was filled with family caregivers, professionals, and community members who all share the same goal: helping loved ones live safely at home for as long as possible.

What We Learned About Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Rhett shared an excellent overview of the latest research and best practices. Some of the key takeaways included:

1. Understanding What Alzheimer’s Really Is

• Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

• It’s not just “normal aging.” Early changes can be subtle—missed appointments, getting lost on familiar routes, or difficulty managing finances.

• An accurate diagnosis matters because there are treatments, strategies, and supports that can improve quality of life.

2. Risk Reduction & Brain-Healthy Lifestyle

While we can’t prevent every case of dementia, Rhett emphasized that lifestyle choices truly matter. Simple daily habits can support better brain health:

• Eating more vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats

• Reducing sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods

• Moving your body for at least 10–30 minutes most days

• Prioritizing sleep and giving your body time to rest each night

• Staying socially engaged and mentally active with reading, hobbies, and conversation

These are all small steps, but taken together they can support both brain and heart health over time.

3. Caregiver Self-Care Is Not Optional

One of the most powerful messages of the evening was that caregivers must care for themselves, too. When you are constantly on alert for a spouse, parent, or loved one with dementia, it’s easy to skip meals, miss sleep, and put your own medical appointments on hold.

Rhett encouraged caregivers to:

• Keep regular check-ups with their own providers

• Ask for help from family, friends, and professional caregivers

• Take breaks—even short ones—to recharge emotionally and physically

• Join support groups or classes to feel less alone

At Assisting Hands, we see this every day: when family caregivers get consistent support and rest, everyone does better—especially the person living with dementia.

Why This Education Matters for Davis & Weber County Families

Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect families across Ogden, Layton, Kaysville, Bountiful, Roy, Clearfield, and surrounding communities. The more we learn together, the better we can respond when a loved one begins to change.

As a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), I’m passionate about bringing this kind of education back to the families we serve. Our caregivers receive dementia-specific training so they can:

• Support safe bathing, dressing, and personal care

• Encourage nutrition and hydration with simple, familiar foods

• Provide companionship and meaningful activity

• Help manage sundowning, wandering, and anxiety with calm, reassuring routines

• Give family caregivers time to rest, work, or attend their own appointments

Events like the Purple Tie Education Series reinforce the best practices we use every day in our clients’ homes.

How Assisting Hands Home Care Can Help

If someone you love in Davis or Weber County has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you don’t have to do this alone. Our team can step in with:

• Hourly or flexible in-home dementia care

• Respite care so family caregivers can take a break

• Transportation to appointments and community activities

• Medication reminders and routine support

• Safety supervision and gentle redirection

• Collaboration with your healthcare providers and community resources

We’ll meet with you, listen to your story, and help create a plan that supports both your loved one and your family.

Ready to Talk About Dementia Support at Home?

If you’re in Ogden, Layton, Kaysville, Farmington, Bountiful, Roy, North Ogden, or nearby areas, and you have questions about dementia or Alzheimer’s care at home, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at 801-499-9993
🌐 Learn more at www.assistinghands.com/davis

Together, we can navigate dementia with more knowledge, more support, and more moments that truly matter.