Elder Services to host Alzheimer’s education series
By Bea Cowlin, LSW
Elder Services, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, will present a six-part educational series Thursdays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. beginning April 8 at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. Each of the six sessions is a stand-alone two hour session.
More and more family members are taking on the challenging role of caring for a loved one. We know that caregivers have unique needs that, if not addressed, can lead to caregiver burnout. This series offers important information on Alzheimer’s disease and allows for discussion on what caregivers need and on how they can better cope with the increased stress that comes with caregiving.
Sessions 1, 2, 4 and 6 will be facilitated by Marcia McKenzie, M. Ed., Manager, Western Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association, and Joan Nimmo, LICSW, LMSW, Geriatric Care Manager.
These sessions include: “What is Dementia,” addressing normal aging vs. dementia, related disorders, how to obtain a diagnosis and how to talk to your doctor; “Best Ways to Interact with the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease,” addressing communication, common behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s and how to prevent wandering and restlessness; “How to Care for the Person at Home,” addressing how to structure the day, how to help with personal care, and safety issues in the home as well as driving; “Taking Care of Yourself,” addressing the warning signs of caregiver stress, respite and coping strategies. Attorney Virginia Stanton Smith, Grinnell Smith LLP will present the third session on “How to Plan For the Future” focusing on legal and financial matters and advance care planning. Session 5, “Asking For Help,” presented by Elder Services’ Caregiver Coordinators Pat Morrissey, LSW, and Bea Cowlin, LSW, will address when the best time is to ask for help, local resources, and how to select appropriate care services.
Caregivers are encouraged to attend all of the sessions, but may attend only those of interest to them. For further information on this series or for information on the Elder Services Family Caregiver Support Program, please call Pat Morrissey or Bea Cowlin, Elder Services Caregiver Coordinators, at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
To register for the Alzheimer’s Care Partners Education Series, please call Faith or Beth at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.
Bea Cowlin, LSW, is an Elder Services Care Giver Coordinator.
