Education for people touched by Alzheimer's disease
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Whether you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or are caring for someone who has, the Alzheimer’s Association can help.
Our Community Education Courses are designed to increase your understanding of the stages of the disease and help you learn effective coping skills for the difficult behaviors you may encounter as well as provide resources for daily living, medical care and legal assistance.Some classes are held over a period of six weeks while others may meet only once. Savvy Caregiver and some of the programs requiring extensive materials suggest a small donation per individual participant or family. Please take note as you register.
In addition, some courses have a prerequisite so please review the description of the course for which you plan to register. Community courses such as Early Stage Orientation are held specifically for those with the disease and encourage family members and friends to attend as well.
Each course description offers information about who should attend: people with Alzheimer’s, family members, friends, long distance caregivers and/or community members.
Course descriptions
All About Alzheimer's – An Introduction to the Disease
What are the differences between Alzheimer's, other dementias, and normal memory loss due to aging? Learn about the Alzheimer's disease process, the programs offered by the Colorado Chapter, and the community resources available for both the person with Alzheimer's and the caregiver. This program is appropriate for family members, friends, long distance caregivers and community members.
Caregiver Wellness
This workshop will focus on the challenges that caregivers face both physically and emotionally and explore ways for caregivers to remain healthy.
Caregiving Tips and Coping: Communication and Behaviors
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can present challenges. The ability to make sense of difficult behaviors can make your job as a caregiver easier and can increase the quality of life and safety for the person with the disease. Learn how to avoid unnecessary arguments and recognize the triggers which may result in aggressive or dangerous behaviors. This class covers successful communication skills for interacting with people with dementia, as well as how to assess and respond to behaviors. This class is for caregivers, family members, friends, professional and volunteer caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Loss and Diabetes: Is there a link?
If you have type 2 Diabetes, are at risk of developing it, or know someone who lives with diabetes, this session is for you. Learn about the importance of good brain health management for diabetics in an effort to lower the risk of Alzheimer-type dementia.
Early Stage Orientation
This free introductory seminar is for individuals who have been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s, or a related memory disorder and their family and friends. Topics include beginning changes, common decisions and the first steps in care.
Early Stage Strategy Series
This series will help people gain an understanding of the disease and the changes that occur. Individuals and caregivers will learn key strategies for living with Alzheimer’s that can enrich their lives. (Orientation to Early Alzheimer’s is recommended prior to participating in this series.)
First steps: When the Diagnosis is Alzheimer’s
Learn the first steps in planning and preparing for Alzheimer’s disease. The class will include general information about the disease, Power of Attorney, safety issues, and rallying family support. This class is for caregivers, family members, friends, professionals and volunteer caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Getting Started
This workshop provides basic information to families and caregivers for people with Alzheimer's disease. Topics include an overview of Alzheimer’s, legal and financial options and managing daily challenges. A suggested $15 donation includes lunch and materials.
Grieving the Losses
Alzheimer's disease is sometimes called the “long goodbye”. Grieving often begins before we lose the one we love. Learn about a healthy grieving process and the tools needed to manage your grief. Join the Alzheimer's Association and Kathy Sparnins from Samaritan Counseling and Education as she discusses this normal response to the losses we face.
How to make your vacations pleasant and memorable
This seminar provides families with important tips on how to enjoy summer vacations.
Late Stage Care: Open Forum
Join us as we discuss issues relevant to people who are caring for a loved one in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Our knowledgeable panel, including a representative from a hospice agency, a spiritual leader and staff from the Alzheimer’s Association will field your questions about late stage caregiving.
Maintain Your Brain
Take steps toward a brain-healthy future. This interactive workshop gives you the tools to make brain health part of your overall wellness goals.
Memory Café
Summer is a great time to celebrate and share memories, music, and fun with caregivers, spouses, family members and people with early-stage Alzheimer’s or memory loss. Many locations hold potluck events out of doors this time of year. In addition to great social interaction, information about Alzheimer’s disease and Association support services and is also made available.
Making Sense of Memory Loss
Learn the difference between normal age related memory loss and memory loss associated with other more serious disorders of the brain. Hear about the diagnosis process and medications that are currently available to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about helpful resources in your community.
Paying For Long Term Care
Participants will learn about advanced directives and how to finance long-term care for a person with dementia.
Partnering With Your Doctor
Learn how working closely with your doctor can improve your healthcare. This class focuses on practical tips and tools to obtain the optimal results from each doctor visit.
People with Developmental Disabilities & Dementia
Due to premature aging in people with developmental disabilities (DD), these individuals are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease far earlier than their counterparts who do not have DD. It is important to be aware of the clues that may indicate a person is suffering from Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Learn more about Alzheimer's disease at this presentation geared toward family, friends, and professionals working with people with DD.
Research and the Future of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Paul Bell, CSU Psychology Professor, well known for his knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, will cover the medical and scientific underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease and describe the latest research efforts to find effective interventions for preventing, stopping, and reversing this leading cause of decline in memory and cognitive functioning. This presentation is free and open to the public.
Round Table Discussion: Healthy Eating for the Heart and Brain
We all know that low fat, low sugar foods are better for your heart and diabetes, but did you know that eating healthy may also lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease? Come chat about how you can benefit from a heart and brain healthy diet. Learn how your favorite recipes can be easily transformed into a healthier, but still tasty, version. Bring a recipe to swap with others!
Round Table Discussion: In-home Caregiving Issues
What challenges do you face in providing care for your loved one at home? Are memory loss problems causing increased concern? How can you improve the quality of life for both your family member living with dementia and the rest of your family, including yourself? Bring your questions and we will provide the answers.
Savvy Caregiver Update
Alumni of the Savvy Caregiver Series are invited to join us for a chance to reunite with fellow Savvy caregivers, share caregiving successes and enhance skills learned during the Savvy program.
Savvy Caregiver
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is a specialty requiring specific skills that contribute to the well being of both the caregiver and the person with the disease. This 12-hour (6-week) course trains family caregivers in how to assess the abilities of a person with dementia, and feel more confident in the skills of caregiving. This 6-week course may be condensed for rural communities and may also be offered in a one day six-hour session or over the course of three weeks. The prerequisite for rural classes is also waived. Attendance at all classes is required.
S.O.S-Support for Our Situation: Long Distance Caregiving Group
This support/education group meets quarterly to discuss issues relevant to the long distance caregiver.
Taking Action
This program is designed for people with memory loss related to early dementia or Alzheimer's disease who want to take an active role in managing and discussing life changes and participate in mentally and physically stimulating activities.
Transitioning to/Selecting a Care Community
This seminar provides families with important tips on selecting an appropriate care facility, determining when it’s time to make the transition and how to make the transition successful for the person with Alzheimer’s as well as other members of the family.
