Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program
The healthcare system has become more complicated, expensive and confusing– especially as people age. Patients are required to identify the best way to start in the healthcare system, to be familiar with a multitude of organizations, to move through the system, and find the right services.
Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program on Thurs., Oct. 24, from 6:30 – 8 PM.
Registration is required by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Provide an email when registering to receive the Zoom link to participate.
As the featured expert, Ms. Walker will help individuals and families who are overwhelmed with healthcare needs understand how and where to find the right doctor, providers and healthcare services.
“Dementia is a progressive condition, and people with dementia often have individualized needs that change according to the different stages of their condition,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters. “As a result, they often require care from multiple health and social care services and providers across diverse settings as they experience transitions in care over the duration of their illness.”
“Unfortunately, dementia care is often fragmented, uncoordinated, and difficult to navigate,” continued Ritchey. “People with dementia and their caregivers often have a lack of knowledge and information about dementia and available support services, as well as limited access to relevant health and social care.”
“We are fortunate to present an expert such as Pam who understands and navigates the healthcare system every day to help patients and families who face serious medical conditions.” said Ritchey. “Attendees will gain confidence in how to effectively advocate for themselves or loved ones.”
There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. More than 4,900 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s in 2021. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year valued at over $11.4 billion.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/cincinnati or call the Greater Cincinnati Chapter at 513.721.4284 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
