Best Friends Approach™
Conversation Series
Understanding Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a role that can be very demanding - physically, emotionally, and financially - but you don't have to go it alone. Our Family Education programs provide a wealth of information and support to help you do a better job.

Maine SAVVY CAREGIVER Training, sponsored by the Office of Elder Services, Department of Health and Human Services and funded by the Administration on Aging, provides family caregivers of people with dementia the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for successful caregiving. Participation in the 12-hour training that is provided in 6 sessions includes participation in a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. You will be asked to complete surveys. For more information, contact Cindy Beck or Kathryn Pears at (800) 272-3900 or at cindy.beck@alz.org. Click here for statewide training schedule.

Best Friends Approach™ to Alzheimer's Care
- for family and friends who are helping a loved one with dementia

	This workshop uses the metaphor of "friendship" to enhance our relationship with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Join other families to explore the day-to-day experience of caregiving and learn practical strategies for making things easier on you and your loved one.
Topics for this 5-hour workshop include: Overview of dementia Understanding the person behind the behavior Improving communication Enjoying shared activities Finding and using community resources

Conversation Series about Memory Loss and Dementia

These programs are designed for families and friends of memory-impaired adults and feature local experts, with time for questions and audience participation. All sessions are open to the public and offered free of charge. Newcomers may join at any time.

Auburn
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month
Place: Clover Health Care, Common Meeting Room, 440 Minot Avenue, Auburn
Facilitator: Bonnie Iwans, LSW, 784-3573 ext. 116

South Portland	Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm on the second Monday of the month Place: First Congregational Church on Meeting House Hill Facilitators: Lori Axelson, MSW, and David Currier, Alzheimer's Association 772-0115

Falmouth	Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm on the second Wednesday of the month Place: Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter office; 170 US Route One, Suite 140, Falmouth Facilitators: David Currier, 772-0115

Understanding Dementia: A Workshop for Families and Friends

		When you are caring for someone with dementia, how do you... accomplish personal care? make sure bills are paid? provide for safety? communicate? cope with anger? find help?
These are just a few of the issues Alzheimer's caregivers face every day. This workshop will teach you practical strategies for providing care while making it easier on your loved one (and you!). Get answers to all of your questions.
Date and Time: October 7, 2009 8:00am - 2:00 pm

Location: Presque Isle

Fee: No charge, pre-registration is required.

Memory, Aging and Alzheimer's Disease

		David Currier Manager, Education & Training Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter Time and Place to be announced
Cost: No cost, but advance registration is required. (Professional caregivers may attend as space permits) Time: