Exploring Dementia
Living and Loving through the Journey

May 5, 2026

9:00 AM Doors Open
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Event

Location: The Church at Liberty Square
2001 Liberty Square Dr. Cartersville, GA 30121

Alzheimer's Association Program

Learn the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. Learn what is considered normal for the aging brain and what you should be concerned about.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Robin Reid, Program Manager, GA Chapter

Area Agency on Aging

Get hands-on with Assistive Technology (AT) from the Area Agency on Aging—from low-tech aids like adapted utensils and dressing tools to high-tech devices such as screen readers and eye-tracking. These tools make daily tasks easier and support independence. For Alzheimer’s and related dementias, expect fidget blankets, magnetic clothing, simplified devices, comfort items, and more.

Practical Assistive Technology

Virtual Dementia Tour

Experience the Virtual Dementia Tour—a guided simulation of daily life with dementia. Build empathy and learn practical ways to communicate and support people living with dementia. Space is limited; register early.

Designated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Area Agency on Aging coordinates programs and services designed to assist older Georgians in their desire to live in the community instead of a long-term facility. ​

Dr. Jeffrey Esslinger, MD HMDCB

A board-certified internist with 25+ years of experience. He’s known for an integrative, prevention-focused approach that emphasizes wellness, lifestyle, and thoughtful non-medication strategies when appropriate. HMDCB-certified (Hospice Medical Director Certification Board), Dr. Esslinger brings deep expertise in the clinical, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of hospice, delivering precise, compassionate, and individualized care.

By combining thoughtfulness, precision, and innovation, he delivers exceptional outcomes tailored to each patient.

Medical Director for Amedisys Hospice in Cartersville

Dr. Jeffrey Esslinger, MD HMDCB

Sharon McCoy

Sharon is a lifelong learner. She earned a Professional Certificate in Gerontology from Kennesaw State University (May 2011), deepening her understanding of aging and strengthening her elder care and elder law practice.

Her training is complemented by active membership in the Georgia State Bar Association, Bartow County Bar Association, NAELA, and ElderCounsel.

Attorney | Estate Planning and Elder Law

Sharon McCoy, Attorney

Shelia Welch

Sheila has launched dementia ministries in churches and equips congregations to respond with practical, compassionate care. She leads workshops for caregivers and for faith and community leaders—covering communication, support systems, and ministry best practices. Her website offers a step-by-step action plan to love families through dementia and become a dementia-friendly faith community.

Please visit the website for valuable information and resources

Coordinator and developer of “Loving Through Dementia”

Sheila Welch, Loving Through Dementia Coordinator/Developer

John Clark

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that assists law enforcement in missing-person cases—including people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and missing children—as well as major disaster searches and evidence recovery. Working across Georgia and beyond, GESAR provides its services at no cost; Georgia families may contact the team directly and GESAR will coordinate with the appropriate authorities. All members bring extensive field experience, hold NASAR and NCJTC certifications, and complete annual background checks, while the leadership team averages 8–30 years in search-and-rescue.

Vice President of Georgia Emergency Search and Rescue

John Clark, Vice President