Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Families often struggle to manage memory loss, behavioral changes, and the stress of daily care while searching for reliable resources and guidance. To help meet these needs, Stillwater Medical is hosting a free Dementia Community Outreach event on Tuesday, November 18, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 411 W. Mathews Ave. in Stillwater. The event is come-and-go, making it easy for busy caregivers to attend.
“Dementia affects millions of families, and caregiving can feel overwhelming without proper support,” said Danette Muzic, executive director of Stillwater Medical at Home. “This event offers a chance to learn, connect, and discover solutions that can make a real difference.”
The outreach event will feature two informative sessions designed to provide practical advice and emotional support for caregivers. At 4:00 p.m., the Alzheimer’s Association will present “Building Foundations of Caregiving,” offering strategies for managing stress and creating a safe environment for loved ones. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Madison Andrews will lead “Challenges of Dementia Care – What to Expect,” a discussion on the progression of dementia and realistic expectations for families.
In addition to these sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in 15-minute breakout discussions with community partners and explore resources from nearly 20 vendors. Information will be available on support groups, respite care, behavior management, meal planning, and home safety—critical tools for easing the burden on caregivers and improving patient well-being.
“Dementia is said to be a disease with a long and lonely goodbye. It’s easy for caregivers to isolate when caring for a loved one becomes challenging. Our hope is that no one would walk that road alone. Our community is full of resources, and we want to make it easy for people to find the help they need,” Muzic said.
November is National Care at Home Month, a time to recognize the vital role these services play in improving quality of life for patients and families. Stillwater Medical has introduced Stillwater Medical at Home, a new brand that brings together its hospice program—formerly Karman Legacy Hospice—home health services, and new palliative care services under one mission. This unified approach ensures patients receive comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes.
“This change reflects more than just a new name – it represents a deeper alignment of our hospice, home health, and palliative care services to better meet the needs of our community,” said Muzic. “This merger will enhance access to care, strengthen our reach to patients in outlying communities and unify our mission to provide compassionate care across every state of need.”
Stillwater Medical at Home provides services to patients living within a 50-mile radius of Stillwater, including Payne, Creek, Noble, Kay, Logan, Pawnee, Osage and Lincoln counties. Its interdisciplinary team and volunteers coordinate care to provide physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual support to enhance quality of life through every step of the journey.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia—or simply want to learn more—this event is open to you. Community partners stand ready with information, resources and support, offering hope to those living with dementia and the caregivers who love them.
