About family education classes
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.
During our six core education programs, you will learn about the unique changes of the illness at different stages. Beginning with Understanding Memory Loss, you'll learn the basics of Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss. Then, you can take workshops with special information on a variety of topics. Please see our list of classes below.
In addition to the regularly scheduled education classes, the Alzheimer's Association educates an average of 500 people per month at community education events organized through local civic, fraternal, faith-based and community organizations.
Please read each course description and determine your need for information. To register for a class, please call our automated voice mail registration line at (314) 432-3422, or toll-free (800) 272-3900 and ask for extension 152.
Family education classes
Getting Connected
This class is a FREE monthly opportunity for newcomers to become acquainted with the resources and services available through the Alzheimer's Association. Attendees will view a brief informational video on our chapter services and interact with a volunteer panel 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 award-winning resource center. An Alzheimer's Association professional is available throughout the program to welcome you, direct you to resources, or to supply information you have identified as useful or important to you.
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Understanding Memory Loss
This class is the core education program of the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis. This program provides a thorough overview of memory loss, dementia 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. Everyone is encouraged to come!
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Practical Solutions for Caregivers
This class covers the caregiving role, developing a care plan, finding resources and the practical "how-tos" of caring for a person with dementia.
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Looking Ahead: Planning for Future Legal & Financial Needs
This course is 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 & caregiver resources. This program is encouraged for family caregivers at any stage of the disease, and people with memory loss are welcome to attend.
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Facing New Challenges: Living With Your Memory Loss
This is an education program designed for people with early stage memory loss and their family and friends. It helps those with memory loss identify their strengths and provides information on adapting to the changes inherent in living with a progressive dementia. Topics include caring for yourself, making your wishes known, and moving forward with humor, positive thinking and support.
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Understanding Your Future Care Options
This class is designed for people caring for a loved one who are considering care services. After attending Understanding Memory Loss and Living with Change , this program will help you consider care options for your loved one from in-home care to nursing facilities. Learn about the care options available to you, how to pay for care and how to make the best choice for your family. Topics covered include in-home services, hiring a private in-home companion, adult day care, and institutional care like special care units and skilled care. Families can attend this program at any stage of the disease.
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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. In this program, learn about caring for your loved ones' physical, mental and spiritual needs as they approach the end of their journey with 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 & after years of experience with the illness.
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Medications and Dementia
This FREE class teaches about medications and how to work with your doctor to enhance your medication therapy while reducing side effects and costs.
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Getting What You Need - Support Services for Memory Loss
Caring for a family member with memory loss, Alzheimer’s or dementia is a challenge. Not knowing where to turn for help can sometimes be overwhelming. If you need help learning about services, options for care, and how to pay for services, you won’t want to miss this FREE program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging, and Department of Health and Senior Services.
Funding for this program provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the US Administration on Aging, Contract #C308100002.
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