Active Aging: 3-Week Dementia Caregiver Series begins in June at SASC

by Christine Histed, Tri-County Office on Aging

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, and simply put, dementia is an overall term for a group of symptoms related to memory difficulties. Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific disease that causes brain changes that result in dementia.

Do you provide care for an adult with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or undiagnosed memory loss? Do you feel overwhelmed with this responsibility and want more information?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, join us in Stockbridge at the Dementia Caregiver Series, to be offered, free of charge, at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC). The workshop series is sponsored by the Tri-County Office on Aging and will be held on Mondays, beginning June 3, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The series runs weekly through June 17. It is recommended you attend all three sessions, but it is not required.

This caregiver series assists with reducing caregiving stress by providing useful tools and information about dementia and its impact on brain function.

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• Communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia
• Recognize the stages of dementia
• Provide meaningful daily activities based on your loved one’s interests and abilities
• Better understand and address dementia-related behaviors
• Create a positive caregiving environment
• Appreciate the strategies and benefits of self-care
• Build your network of support

Everyone is welcomed to attend the Dementia Caregiver Series, including family caregivers, professional caregivers or anyone who wants to learn more about dementia.

Although the workshop is free of charge, donations will be accepted. To register, call Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1465 or register at the SASC.

The Stockbridge Area Senior Center, located at 219 W. Elm Street in Stockbridge, is a great place to visit. SASC website: stockbridgeareaseniors.org. SASC phone: 517-480-0353.

The Dementia Caregiver Series will be offered, free of charge (donations accepted), at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC) on Mondays, June 3 through June 17, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Christine Histed is a registered dietitian and the evidence-based program manager at the Tri-County Office on Aging in Lansing.