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 Sechelt starting next week.
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," said Kerri Sutherland, the Society's support and education coordinator for the North Shore and Sunshine Coast. "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.
*Problem solving for responsive behaviours.
*Self-care for the caregiver.
The series runs on Wednesdays, May 8, 15 and 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Capilano University Sunshine Coast Campus located at 5627 Inlet Avenue. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register contact Sutherland toll-free at 1-866-984-8348 or email [email protected].
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.
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