Dementia often brings about changes in behaviour and communication, which can dramatically affect family caregivers.
That’s why the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. is running its free Family Caregiver Series in Vernon.
The three-session series provides practical coping strategies for family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
“It is through education that caregivers understand the disease and learn effective strategies to deal with changing communication and behaviors,” says Michelle Hallgren, the society’s support and education coordinator for the North and Central Okanagan.
“With this new understanding caregivers become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey.”
The workshops run on Wednesdays, July 25, and Aug. 1 and 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the People Place, 3402-27th Ave.
Pre-registration is required. For information and to register contact Hallgren toll-free at 1-800-634-3399 or e-mail mhallgren@alzheimerbc.org
Topics to be covered in the series include:
*Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
*Effective and creative ways of facilitating communication with a person with dementia
*Problem solving for responsive behaviours
*Self-care for the caregiver
Donations would be gratefully accepted. The series is partially sponsored by the Province of BC, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., RBC Foundation, Pfizer Canada Inc., Frank and Yvonne McCracken Foundation, Lohn Foundation and Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation.
Alzheimer’s disease is the second-most feared disease for Canadians as they age. It and other dementias affect approximately one of every 11 people aged 65 or older.
For more information on Alzheimer`s disease and other dementias, visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
