We offer several educational programs for families and individuals facing Alzheimer’s, as well as community members. Most of these programs, described below, are free of charge. Click on the calendar above for more information on education programs.
Family/Community education
Call your local office to schedule one of these free education programs in your community. Pre-registration is requested for all programs.
The Western Carolina Chapter Fall Conference
November 6, 2008
Lake Junaluska in Haywood County.
There will be a number of informative and relevant workshops to choose from, live entertainment and a special candlelight reflection. Respite care and CEU’s will be offered for those in the professional community. The 2008 Fall Conference is open to all members of the community, caregivers, and professionals. Join us!
For more information:
Mountain Conference Brochure
Larry Reeves at 828.254.7363 or Larry.reeves@alz.org.
CARE PARTNER AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Western Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers educational programs on a regular rotating basis throughout our 49 county service area. These programs are offered free of charge (unless noted otherwise) to the community, individuals with memory loss, their family members and friends. Donations are always welcome to help offset our expenses. The following is a partial listing of community education programs. Registration is strongly suggested, as space may be limited.
Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools for Caregiving
This six-week course is for family caregivers of persons impacted by dementia, serious illness or injury. It is designed to empower caregivers with skills to better care for their family member and themselves. Each session focuses on effective ways to reduce stress, how to communicate feelings, needs and concerns, manage challenging situations, and master tough caregiving decisions.There is no fee for all Five classes. You will receive “The Caregiver Helpbook,”
Dates and Times:
Friday mornings 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
August 8, 15, 22, 29 and September 5
Location:
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, Charlotte (Corner of North Tryon and Sugar Creek)
To Register:
Call Marsha McElroy at 704-336-4873 or Teresa Hoover at 704-532-7390 before August 4, 2008
Get Connected to the Western Carolina Chapter
This class is a free opportunity for newcomers to become acquainted with the resources and services available through the Alzheimer’s Association. Attendees will interact with a chapter representative on why, when and how to tap into the Alzheimer’s Association for reliable information and support. There will be a brief question and answer segment on dementia, memory loss and various related diagnoses as well as a tour of our space.
Early Stage Education and Support Program
A six-part series to provide support and information to persons experiencing mild memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The person who is experiencing memory loss is encouraged to invite one or more family members or friends to attend with him or her. Topics to be discussed include memory loss; legal and financial concerns, everyday coping skills, building a support system; and hope for the future. Due to the format of this program, participants are required to pre-register and participate in an interview.
Understanding Memory Loss
This program provides a thorough overview of memory loss, dementia, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease while including information about research, treatments and how to get a diagnosis. This program forms the foundation for all other education programs, and everyone is encouraged to attend before going to additional programs.
Mid-Stage Programs
· When Realities Collide
This program is for people who care for a loved one with memory loss. Designed for the person who has already attended Understand Memory Loss, this free program expands your knowledge on caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s in your home. Learn about your loved one’s strengths and how to support their needs while maintaining as much independence as possible. Topics covered include improving your communication, managing challenging daily situations and taking time for yourself. This program is encouraged for family caregivers at any stage of the disease.
· Caregiving in the Home: Assessing Comfort and Safety
This program will address common safety concerns involved in caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the abilities of a person with dementia will change. A caregiver can adapt the home to support these changes with some creativity, flexibility and problem solving. Topics include home safety, MedicAlert® + Safe Return® wandering behavior, driving and more.
· Looking Ahead: Planning for Future Legal and Financial Needs
This course if for those who want to plan ahead for the future. This program will inform you about legal planning tools like advance directives and durable powers of attorney that can help assure your loved one’s wishes are met. Topics covered include the importance of advanced legal planning, common tools for health decisions or estate planning and caregiver resources. This program is encouraged for family caregivers at any stage of the disease, and people with memory loss are welcome to attend.
End Stage Programs
· Caring for a Person with Advanced Dementia
This program is designed for families providing care to someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. After caring for a loved one for a few years, families experience challenges that require more advanced knowledge of the later part of the illness. Topics covered include managing physical care, facing ethical decisions in end-of-life, understanding the dying process and knowing where to turn for help. Families can attend this program after attending programs for the earlier stages of the disease and after years of experience with the illness.
General Programs
· Holiday Survival Tips
Addresses the unique difficulties that arise around the holidays for families with a loved one with dementia.
Early Stage Memory Loss Support Group A seminar-style discussion group for people with mild memory loss, the Early-Stage Program also includes a concurrent support group for family and friends who are supporting the person through their disease.
International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease
ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Join more than 5,000 world-renowned researchers for an invited program not to be missed.
