The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is presenting a family caregiver series as well as a workshop on understanding challenging behaviour in Williams Lake next week.
Hosted by the Williams Lake Senior’s Village (WLSV), the family caregiver series is a five-session series aimed at family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
Family members can lean about dementia, practical coping strategies, early planning and more.
“It’s really important that people talk about dementia and Alzheimer’s.” says Laurette Vike of the WLSV.
“It’s a disease. It’s not something people should be embarrassed to talk about.”
The family caregiver series covers the topics; understanding dementia, understand communication, uningderstanding behaviour, planning for the future and self-care for caregivers.
The series is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the education room at the WLVS.
Cost is by donation and pre-registration is required.
Then on Wednesday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the WLSV, the society is presenting a workshop on understanding challenging behaviour.
This is an educational session for staff or family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
Attendees will learn about practical coping strategies, tools for meaningful communication with a person with Alzheiner’s disease or another dementia, and tips for understanding how a person with dementia might communicate.
For more information or to pre-register, contact Elizabeth Canjura-Jelks at 250-305-3191.
Ejelks@retirementconcepts.com.
Vike said Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a devastating disease for families, however there is support out there for those who need it.
As well as the workshops presented next week, the WLSV also hosts a monthly support meeting for spouses or children that care for loved ones affected by the disease.