Family Caregiver Education program descriptions

Alzheimer's 101
Alzheimer’s 101 explores the common causes of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias; the stages and symptoms of Alzheimers, the importance of a good medical examination, and current research and treatments.

Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Warning Signs
Early diagnosis is important.  Learn the difference between normal aging and the warning signs of dementia, and receive information on how to seek diagnosis.

Beyond Bingo: Creating Meaningful Connections
Beyond Bingo explores creative ways to maintain meaningful activities for people with Alzheimer’s Disease. This program is designed to give family caregivers the tools to prevent or minimize disease specific behaviors caused by inactivity. Information on making a Life Story book and a diversion kit will be available as well as suggestions for activities.

Brown Bag Bites
No programs scheduled at this time.

Caregiving Challenges Series
This program provides information on ways to enhance caregiver skills, plan for the future, meet daily challenges, communicate effectively with physicians, provide meaningful activities and explore community resource options. This series is appropriate to attend if two or more of these statements are applicable to the individual with memory loss: Exhibits behavior changes including wandering, hallucinations, delusions or aggressions; Has difficulty sequencing tasks such as bathing, dressing, driving or eating; Experiences difficulty expressing an idea or naming an object and has developed repetitive speech or behavior patterns.

Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease Support Group
Co-Sponsor: OSF Institute on Aging
Designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and a concurrent group for family members.  This 8-week group meets weekly and provides education and encouragement to those dealing with the disease and their caregivers.

Facing New Challenges
Participants will learn the basics of Alzheimer’s disease, new communication approaches and ways to plan for the future.

First Fridays
Funded by WCIAAA
The Quincy Area Office will be featuring education programs on the first Friday of every month on Alzheimer’s topics -- light lunch included.

Legal & Financial Series
This program features local attorneys that cover topics such as: patients’ rights, power of attorney, guardianship, advance directives, estate planning, Medicaid, asset protection, fraud prevention and spousal impoverishment. This is for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and other memory-loss disorders.

The Long Goodbye: Staying Connected and Letting Go
The journey through Alzheimer’s disease is one of both humor and heartache. Watching a loved one change as a result of this disease often leaves caregivers wondering what will happen next. This program addresses issues pertaining to the later and end stages of the disease as well as tips for providing loved ones with the best care possible.

Now What Was I Saying?
Participants will learn how memory works, what happens to our memory as we age and what we can do to improve our memory skills. This program will discuss steps to take care of your brain now.

Personal Care and Safety
“Protecting What Matters: Adapting to the Personal Care & Safety Needs of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease”
When caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease providing personal care and creating a safe and supportive environment for the individual with Alzheimer’s are important concerns. In this session participants will learn tips and strategies for assisting with routine personal care activities and simple steps to make the home safe and supportive for the individual with Alzheimer’s. Registration for Medic Alert + Safe Return will be available.

Reconnect: Interacting With Dementia
Communication is more than the ability to exchange words -- it is the ability to connect with someone. Reconnect: Interacting with Dementia is a program that will provide strategies on improving overall communication skills when connecting with memory-impaired individuals and help prepare caregivers for possible behavioral changes & ways to respond should they occur.

Savvy Caregiver Programs
New 6-week course from the Alzheimer’s Association providing clinical - level training for family caregivers.
$30 per person for materials.

Since the House is on Fire-Let us Warm Ourselves: Perspectives on Caregiver Stress
Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder is perhaps one of the biggest commitments a person can face. This session addresses coping with stress related to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This program will examine the symptoms of caregiver stress and offer strategies towards becoming a healthier caregiver and setting realistic expectations for themselves and the person they care for.

Slices of the Pie
A new brain fitness program for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Our purpose is to provide a supportive atmosphere where individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early stage Alzheimer's can engage in social and stimulating activities.
Contact Melissa.Kolowski@alz.org or call Missy at 309.681.1100 or 800.272.3900.

Train Your Brain
Are you 40 + or a healthy senior? Want to stay at the top of your game? We’ve designed a FUN healthy aging program to boost your brain power! Six week program features guest speakers with different brain healthy topics each meeting.

Understanding Grief and Loss
No programs scheduled at this time.

What the Heck do we do Now?
Exploring Care Options
This program emphasizes the importance of planning for the future. We will explain in detail the warning signs of when it is time to get outside help, respite and long term care options, as well as several community resources that are available.

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