Dementia often brings about changes in behaviour and communication, which can dramatically affect family caregivers. That’s why the non-profit Alzheimer Society of BC is running its free Family Caregiver Series in Powell River next week.
The 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 behaviours,” said Kerri Sutherland, the society’s support and education coordinator for the Sunshine Coast and North Shore. “With this new understanding caregivers become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey.”
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; self-care for the caregiver; and planning for the future.
The one-day version runs from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday, November 4 at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register, readers can contact Sutherland toll free at 1.866.984.8348 or email [email protected]. Lunch will be provided by Quality Foods.
The workshop is free, through funding by government and private foundations, as well as contributions from individual donors.
An evening session is also available. The introductory session reviews dementia information and its impact on the individual, caregivers and families, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Monday, November 4, at the Division of Family Practice, 105-4675 Marine Avenue. Pre-registration is required by contacting Bronwyn James, 1.855.984.8347 or email [email protected].
More information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as resources for coping with their impact, is available online.
