Two days of learning. A lifetime of benefit for Vernon caregivers.
That summarizes the value of the free Family Caregiver Series, offered here next month by the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. It provides effective ways to care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
“For family caregivers, the commitment can last many years, and can bring with it high stress levels and illness,” said Carly Gronlund, the society’s support and education coordinator for Vernon and the North and Central Okanagan.
Participants will learn about dementia, practical coping strategies and early planning.
“It is through education that caregivers understand the disease and learn effective strategies to deal with changing communication and behaviours,” said Gronlund. “With this new understanding caregivers become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey.”
The free series is designed for family members who are caring for a person with dementia. Running on Tuesdays, Aug. 19 and 26, it covers the following topics:
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Effective and creative ways of facilitating communication with a person with dementia.
Problem-solving for responsive behaviours.
Planning for the future.
Self-care for the caregiver.
The workshops run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week at The People Place, 3402-27th Ave. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register contact Gronlund at (toll-free) 1-800-634-3399 or cgronlund@alzheimerbc.org.
