ForgeWorks will hold "Adding to Your Toolbox: Dementia Strategy Conference" on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster. The event is designed for care partners and anyone who has a loved one living with dementia, as well as people living with a dementia or cognitive brain change diagnosis.

An Exhibitors and Resource Hall will take place at 8 a.m., with light refreshments offered. The official welcome and opening remarks will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a keynote address from Dr. Kristen Nebel, founder of Peace of Mind Aging, at 8:45 a.m. Nebel will share her expertise and insights on dementia care.

The morning will continue with an educational session on navigating communication, led by Melody Karick, ForgeWorks dementia educator and consultant. Attendees will then have the opportunity to eat lunch, visit exhibitors, and register for afternoon sessions.

The afternoon will feature workshop sessions, with separate tracks for care partners and people living with dementia. While anyone can participate in any of the workshops, the three tactile workshops are designed for people living with dementia. Each attendee can choose two workshops.

Afternoon sessions will include "Dementia Experience," a simulation designed to help participants understand the experience of living with dementia; "Mobility," a review of mobility issues associated with cognitive decline, as well as tips and tricks to navigate movement well; "The Five Senses," which will explore how brain changes affect the five senses; "Preserving Dignity," tips for helping loved ones preserve their dignity while assisting with activities of daily living; "Elder Law and Aging Services," a review of the crucial legal planning and professional support for laying the foundation to face dementia; "Late-Stage Dementia and Hospice," a guide for the need for support and available tools; "Memory Cafe," conversations with Harry and Hazel Urban, with a question-and-answer time; and "Tactile Workshops," in which attendees will use the sense of touch to create joy, purpose, and connection through art, gardening, and a book club.

The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring people living with dementia and experts in the field, followed by closing remarks at 4 p.m.

There is a per-person fee, which includes lunch. Half-day options are also available. To register, visit http://www.theforgeworks.org. For more information, contact Allison Cuthie, ForgeWorks director, at 717-355-6110 or acuthie@theforgeworks.org.