Families and caregivers of people with dementia experience grief and loss at many different points during the progression of the disease.
Helping caregivers and families cope with that journey is the mandate of the non-profit Alzheimer Society of BC, which offers two free workshops in Saanich this month.
Grief and Loss, running on Friday, Nov. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, will teach participants how loss and grief can impact caregivers as well as the person with dementia, said Christin Hillary, the regional support and education co-ordinator for the Society.
Participants will also explore strategies for coping with and adjusting to changes.
‘Preparation for Transition to Residential Care’ runs on Friday, Nov. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Designed for family caregivers, it will explore some of the challenges and issues surrounding the decision to transition someone with dementia into a residential care facility.
Caregivers will learn about the role of local health authority case managers and techniques for choosing a facility, says Hillary. They will also look at how to plan for a successful move, and how families can help a person with dementia adjust to their new living environment.
Both workshops take place at the Society resource centre at 202-306 Burnside Rd. W. Seating is limited; register at 250-382-2052 or by email at chillary@alzheimerbc.org.
Dementia in the spotlight
The Shoal Activity Centre will host an Alzheimer Society event on the Peninsula this month as well.
Understanding and Living with Dementia, an Alzheimer Society presentation, happens Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 1:30 p.m. The session is ideal for people newly diagnosed, care partners and family members. The session is free for everyone. Call 250-656-5537 to register.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com
