There are more than six million Americans currently living with dementia and another 11 million who are providing unpaid care for them, at a value that, if paid, would be worth an estimated $257 billion.
These numbers from the Alzheimer’s Association are staggering, yet they still don’t represent the full impact of this disease in the country.
Being able to provide care to those with dementia can be difficult work, requiring knowledge about the disease, what to expect and how to respond to a person’s needs. That’s why Coastline Elderly Services is offering a free six-session training focused on caring for anyone living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
According to Coastline, caregivers need special skills to do this work successfully, and beyond that, they need a positive attitude that helps them also care for themselves through the process.
Their online training, called The Savvy Caregiver Program, will help caregivers:
Understand the impact of dementia on the person being cared for and on the caregiver;
Learn skills to manage daily life with dementia;
Take control and set goals;
Communicate more effectively;
Strengthen family resources;
Feel better about caregiving; and,
Take care of the caregiver.
The online program, offered free by Coastline, will be held weekly from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from May 18 to June 22.
For more information or to register, call Stephanie Gibson at 774-510-0193 or register online at healthyliving4me.org. Assistance with technology may be available.