By Jim Herlihy | Alzheimer’s Association
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. For the loved ones of the 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage.
“Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior” will be the subject of a live, interactive webinar offered by the Alzheimer’s Association from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 17. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
The webinar is one in a series of free programs offered by the Association in March and April. The full schedule for the months includes:
• “The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Learn about the 10 common warning signs, what to watch for in yourself and others, typical age-related changes, the benefits of a diagnosis, early detection and more. — 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 14 and 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 5.
• “The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease” (in Spanish) — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22.
• “Effective Communication Strategies.” This workshop teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication from someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Develop strategies for having meaningful connection with people in differing stages of dementia. — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16; noon to 1 p.m. March 29; and 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 19.
• “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.” Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 17; and 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 20.
• “Living with Alzheimer’s: for Care Partners — Early Stage.” In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis. — 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19; and 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 23.
• “Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Middle Stages.” In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this program and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s. — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19; and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 23.
• “Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers — Late Stages.” In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this program, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families. — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19; and 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 23.
• “Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s.” An interactive program where you’ll learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near you. — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 29; and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 27.
• “Dementia Conversations.” Tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, when to stop driving and making legal/financial plans. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30; and 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 12.
• “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the differences between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, risk factors, current research, treatments to address some symptoms and more. — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11; and 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 21.
• “Caregiver’s Guide to Managing Money.” After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, financial planning often gets pushed aside because of the stress and fear this topic evokes. However, you can reduce stress by planning ahead. Learn about managing care costs and planning for the future. — 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 14.
Like all programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association, the webinars are offered at no charge, but registration is required. To register, visit www.alz.org or call the free Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, go to www.alz.org.
