Dementia often brings about changes in behaviour and communication, which can dramatically affect family caregivers. That's why the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. is running its free family caregiver series in Sechelt next month.
The series provides practical coping strategies for family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
"It is through education that caregivers understand the disease and learn effective strategies to deal with changing communication and behaviors," said Kerri Sutherland, the Society's support and education coordinator for the North Shore and Sunshine Coast. "With this new understanding, caregivers become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey."
Topics to be covered in the four-week series include:
*Understanding Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
*Effective and creative ways of facilitating communication with a person with dementia.
*Understanding behaviour.
*Self-care for the caregiver.
*Planning for the future.
The series runs on Thursdays, March 6, 13 and 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast campus of Capilano University in Sechelt. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register, contact Sutherland toll-free at 1-866-984-8348 or email ksutherland@alzheimerbc.org.
More information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and resources for coping with their impact are available by visiting www.alzheimerbc.org.
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