Free Alzheimer’s Training Now Available to Local Family Caregivers

Home Instead Senior Care of Wichita, Kansas is continuing to offer a unique approach to help Wichita area families manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, disease that eventually rob seniors of their memories and independence. Free training for families caring for these older adults is available through local classroom sessions.

We have completed our first five training sessions, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who attended. Therefore, I am extending the program and offering more opportunities to receive this training throughout August and September.

The Home Instead Senior Care network assembled the top experts in Alzheimer’s disease to develop this approach to Alzheimer’s care. The training being offered to families is the same kind of training that Home Instead’s professional CAREGivers^SM receive. The experts include:

Jane Potter, M.D. Home Instead Center for Successful Aging at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Brenda Keller, M.D. Home Instead Center for Successful Aging at University of Nebraska Medical Center

Thomas Magnuson, M.D. Home Instead Center for Successful Aging at the University of Nebraska Medical Center

Eric Rodriguez, M.D. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Glenn Smith, Neuropsychologist, Mayo Clinic

Dr. Amy D’Aprix, MSW, PhD, President, Dr. Amy, Inc

Robert G. Stein, President and CEO American Society on Aging

David Troxel, Author of “A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care”

Tanya Marie Richmond, MSW, CRCC, LCSW
CARES, UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work

The program for family caregivers consists of four classes, conducted in either two weekday sessions or one longer Saturday session: Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias Overview; Capturing Life’s Journey; Techniques to Manage Behaviors; and Activities to Encourage Engagement.

Session 6: Saturday August 18^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 7: Tuesday August 21^st and Thursday August 23^rd 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Session 8: Saturday September 8^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Session 9: Tuesday September 18^th and Thursday September 20^th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 

Space is Limited! Registration is Required.

For more information or to enroll in a training class, call:  316.612.7541 or email msteinberg@homeinsteadwichita.com

Respite a Must for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers at the end of their rope can look to others for a break to refresh their outlook. Professional caregiving help is one answer.

Q: I’ve been caring for my elderly parents and have heard a lot about the stress that goes with family caregiving. I’m certainly feeling it. What do you recommend?

What you really need is respite. If you have siblings or your parents have close friends, they might be willing to step in and help you get away for a short time. If your parents are active in a church or synagogue, check to find out what programs and organizations they might have available that could help you. Many senior organizations at church might be willing to lend an extra hand. Your Area Agency on Aging also is a great source for help and information.

Finally, your parents could also consider a private caregiver. The local Home Instead Senior Care^® office, for instance, hires CAREGivers^SM to go into the homes of seniors like your mom and dad to provide companionship and other non-medical assistance such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands, shopping and a much-needed respite.

Finally, following are some things that could help out:

• Take a break: Make arrangements for any necessary fill-in help (family, friends, volunteers or professional caregivers). Take single days or even a week’s vacation. And when you’re away, stay away. Talk about different things, read that book you haven’t been able to get to, take naps, whatever relaxes you and makes you happy.
• Eat well: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, including nuts and beans, and whole grains. Indulging in fast food and sugar as quick “pick-me-ups” also produce a quick “let-down.”
• Keep your medical appointments: Make sure you get your annual check-up. Being a caregiver provides many excuses for skipping your necessary check-ups, but don’t do it. A healthy you is worth more to your aging loved one than a sick, weak you.
• Indulge: Treat yourself to a foot massage, manicure, nice dinner out or a concert to take yourself away from the situation and to reward yourself for the wonderful care you are providing to your aging relative. You shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to feel good.
• Work out: Exercise and enjoy something you like to do (walking, dancing, biking, running, swimming, etc.) for a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times per week. Consider learning a stress-management exercise such as yoga or tai-chi, which teach inner balance and relaxation.
• Meditate: Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as “quiet” as possible whenever things feel like they are moving too quickly or you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a caregiver.

Get helpful tips and articles like these delivered to your email.

Tags: caregiver, caregiver health, caregiver help, caregiver stress, caregiving, caregiving resources, caring, eldercare planning, family caregiver, home care, senior care, senior care planning, senior care resources, senior care stress