A series of workshops for family members caring for a person with dementia starts next month.
The Family Caregiver Series is a four-session series, starting Aug. 13 and presented by the Northern Interior's Alzheimer Resource Centre.
The workshops address issues relating to dementia, practical coping strategies and early planning.
"We're expecting 15 to 20 people at this series," said Leanne Jones, BSW, support and education coordinator. "People have to remember they have to take care of themselves in order to take care of their loved ones."
The workshops are partially funded by the province so Jones said there's no pressure, and it's by donation only.
The series covers the following topics:
Understanding dementia
Understanding communication and behaviour
Planning for the future
Self-care for caregivers
Participants will get basic information about dementia and the impact the disease has on the individual, caregivers and families. Information will be provided about how dementia affects the brain and what behaviours come as part of the progression of the disease. Caregivers will learn what to expect as the disease progresses.
Caregivers will discover how communication is affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Next step is to learn how to facilitate communication and provide support to the person with dementia.
Changes in a person's behaviour is due to Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia and caregivers will learn how to understand behaviour as a form of communication. The caregiver will learn how to determine what the person with dementia might be trying to communicate, finding ways to decrease the occurrence of behaviours that concern them and respond in supportive ways.
A person with dementia can play a role in making important health care and financial decisions if they plan for the future as early as possible. Family caregivers will learn the importance of early planning and review strategies to ensure the patient's wishes are honoured at every stage.
Self-Care for Caregivers
It is vital that caregivers take care of their own physical and mental health when they support a person with a chronic illness like dementia. Workshop participants will get an understanding of how certain messages, demands or beliefs can contribute to stress and burnout. They will also learn how to recognize the signs of burnout, and discover ways to deal with caregiver stress.
Pre-registration is required by calling 250-564-7533 or e-mail [email protected]. Dates are August 13, 20, 27 and September 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alzheimer Society Resource Centre, 202-575 Quebec Street.
