Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's

Do you know someone dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Feeling stretched caring for an older adult? It is well known that caring for a family member with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or other diseases is stressful and takes an enormous physical and emotional toll on caregivers. Caregivers often completely change their lifestyle to take care of those they love. Caregivers include senior citizens caring for relatives under the age of eighteen, as well as spouses, adult children, and/or friends. Did you know that 85% of all care to the frail and disabled is being provided by family and friends? Are you one of them? The Dale Association has received training to conduct a six part training program to enable caregivers to better care for themselves by improving their own self-confidence and problem solving skills. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself. This program will help family caregivers: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase ability to make tough decision and locate helpful resources. Current research is finding that taking care of tired caregivers could be as important as providing care for their care-recipients. The class is being offered on Tuesdays beginning August 2nd and running through September 6th from 9:30am to 12:00 noon at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St, Auditorium B, Niagara Falls, NY 14031. Two experienced class leaders will conduct each session. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life. The cost for the six-week program is $25 and includes a copy of The Caregiver Help book, but is covered in full for members of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and Independent Health. Pre-Registration is required - Call Erie County Senior Services at (716) 858-2177 or email caregiver@erie.gov for more information and to register. Additional classes are also being scheduled; additional classes can be found at erie.gov/depts./seniorservices. Powerful Tools for Caregivers supported by a grant from Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York and is co-sponsored by The University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions and the Erie County Caregiver Coalition. Cannot make the six week class? A one day informational presentation is being held on Thursday, August 11th from 1:00 – 2:00pm at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport titled “Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia: Considering Decision Making from a Human Service Perspective”. This program will give an easy to understand description of the diseases, risk factors, warning signs, and what to expect if you or a loved one are facing a diagnosis. Learn about normal and abnormal changes, along with how they can affect decision making and independence. The information will be presented by Julia Szprygada, LMSW Director of Education and Training Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter. It is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call 1-800-272-3900 or 433-1886.