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June 12, 2012

Alzheimer’s training available for caregivers

Transcript Staff The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — The Home Instead Senior Care office will offer free training through online e-learning modules, available at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com, for families caring for older adults.

The Alzheimer’s or Other Dementias CARE, Changing Aging through Research and Education, Training Program offers a personal approach to help families care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease at home, where 60 to 70 percent live, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Until there is a cure, we offer an interim solution,” said Christy Roberts, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving the Norman area.

The foundation of the Alzheimer’s CARE Training Program is an approach called “Capturing Life’s Journey” that involves gathering stories and experiences about the senior to help caregivers provide comfort while honoring the individual’s past. Because people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty with short-term memory, the Capturing Life’s Journey approach taps into long-term memory.

“The training we’re offering to families is the same kind of training our professional CAREGivers receive,” Roberts said.

The program for family caregivers consists of four classes: “Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias Overview”; “Capturing Life’s Journey”; “Techniques to Manage Behaviors”; and “Activities to Encourage Engagement.” Also available is a free guide for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Called Helping Families Cope, the guide includes advice to help families keep their loved ones engaged and manage behaviors.

“The preferred environment for those with dementia is generally at home,” said Potter, who served on the expert panel to help develop content for the Alzheimer’s CARE Training Program.

For more information about the free Family Caregiver Training and other resources, visit HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com to engage in an e-learning course.

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