Powell River residents face a serious health reality: the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is growing rapidly.
That means more families have to cope with the issues of caregiving and with the prospect of their family member requiring residential care. An estimated one in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
The non-profit Alzheimer Society of BC is helping families to prepare for those possibilities, with free workshops at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre this week.
The first, The Transition to Residential Care, covers important considerations when choosing a facility. General information will be provided on how to access residential care in the community and how to deal with the challenges families face when making those decisions.
One of the challenges is transition, for both the family and the person with dementia, said Kerri Sutherland, the society`s support and education coordinator for the Sunshine Coast and North Shore. “It’s a process of adjustment,” she explains.
The workshop runs from 1:30 to 4 pm on Monday, October 15.
Caregivers can see their role change during the transition and will need to learn to work effectively with a care team. That is where the second workshop, Living in Residential Care, from 6 to 8:30 pm on Monday, October 15, can help.
This session focuses on the process of adjustment after a person with dementia has moved into a residential care facility. It will also offer tips for acting as an advocate within a residential care setting.
The third workshop, Heads Up!, from 10:30 am to noon on Tuesday, October 16, offers tips for maintaining brain health.
“Healthy aging is important for everyone, and it is essential not to forget the health of your brain as well,” said Sutherland.
Workshop participants will learn strategies and set goals for improving the health of their mind, body and spirit. Anyone interested in brain health is welcome to attend.
All workshops take place at the seniors’ centre, 6792 Cranberry Street and are by donation. However, preregistration is required. For more information and to register, readers can contact Sutherland toll-free at 1.866.984.8348, email [email protected]. The Alzheimer Society of BC can be visited online.
