NEWS RELEASE  & CALENDAR LISTINGS

Alzheimer’s Association Responds to Need During Continuum of Care
• Savvy Caregiver Training Program Expanded
• Professional-Level Training for the Non-Professional

Mountain View, California, January 18, 2008—The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that over 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and there are as many as 10 million Americans caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.  Seventy percent of those with Alzheimer’s are now cared for at home.  Nearly one in four of the caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias provide 40 hours or more of care per week.  More than 40 percent of caregivers report high levels of emotional stress.  As the generation of 78 million baby boomers approaches the age of greatest risk for developing Alzheimer’s, this is an escalating epidemic that will convert increasing numbers of Americans into occasional, part- or full-time caregivers. 

William Fisher, Alzheimer’s Association CEO for Northern California/Northern Nevada, said: “One of the most universal feelings families experience when they start caring for someone with dementia is ‘unprepared.’  Though most have a history, the old ways of relating increasingly do not work well.”  Fisher said, “Survival time for Alzheimer’s patients can be four to six years after diagnosis, but survival time can be as long as 20 years from the detection of the first symptoms.”

The Alzheimer’s Association touches every point of the Alzheimer’s journey, and has a three part mission encompassing: (1) caregiving; (2) research into the diagnosis, causes and potential cures; and (3) evolving cutting edge science that seems to increasingly suggest simple life style adjustments that could possibly maintain brain health.  The Alzheimer’s Association – now just over 25 years old – provides information, support, referrals, education and training, advocacy and research. 

Fisher said, “Many caregivers have told us they would like to go beyond the introductory education offerings for family members.  The six-week Savvy Caregiver Training Program, which the chapter last year began to offer, is that opportunity.”  

Based on research by experts, the Alzheimer’s Association Savvy Caregiving series tackles caregiving as a set of learnable skills, centered around the twin goals of taking care of oneself while helping the care-receiver maintain a state of contented involvement in activities.

Caregivers learn to step back, to become a skilled observer, to understand their family member through the Alzheimer’s lens, and to strategize and take control of the evolving situation.  Participants report an increased sense of mastery over their caregiving role.  Alzheimer’s Association professional staff report that by graduation, the faces that at first greeted them – worried, tense and tired – have become more relaxed and self-confident.  

For early 2008, the Alzheimer’s Association will offer the Savvy Caregiver Training Program in: Monterey, Mountain View, San Francisco, San Jose and San Rafael (see schedule below).  A course is also being translated and culturally adapted for Spanish Alzheimer’s caregivers and will soon be offered in San Mateo County and Santa Clara County. 

The Alzheimer’s Association Savvy Caregiver Program is offered for a minimal cost of $75 for the six week course; scholarships are available.  Each six-week course has limited enrollment and pre-registration is required. 

Upcoming Alzheimer’s Association Savvy Caregiver Training Program Offerings:

Mountain View
Tuesdays,  January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4 (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
Alzheimer's Association Office – 1060 La Avenida Street
Information & Pre-Registration:  Dale Thielges Dale.Thielges@alz.org or Angel Duncan Angel.Duncan@alz.org,  or the chapter 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900)

San Rafael
Tuesdays, January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4 (5:30 pm -7:30 pm)
Alzheimer's Association – San Rafael Office, 4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-138
Information & Pre-Registration:  415-472-4340 

San Francisco
Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11 (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) 
Jones United Methodist Church
Special Introductory Fee: $65.00 for the entire series.  Scholarships available. 
Information & Pre-Registration:  925-284-7942 

San Jose
Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12 (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
St Francis of Assisi Parish
(Co-Sponsored by Catholic Charities’ Day Break Respite & Caregiver Support Services)
Information & Pre-Registration:   650-962-8111, contact Alexandra Morris Alexandra.Morris@alz.org

Monterey
Wednesdays, February 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Monterey Adult School
Information & Pre-Registration:   800-272-3900, contact Pat Potter Pat.Potter@alz.org

For information, including being added to the chapter contact list for future Savvy Caregiver classes, the public is invited to e-mail alexandra.morris@alz.org, or call the 24/7 chapter Helpline (800-272-3900).
The Savvy Caregiver Training Program provides over 12-hours of face-to-face training with dementia experts, a caregiver manual and CD-ROM.

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