Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming. It is not a normal part of aging and there is no cure for the progressive disease of the brain, which could get in the way of everyday living.
Recognizing that family members caring for a loved one with dementia need information and assistance, the Alzheimer’s Association will be starting a new program, Care Partners Reaching Out (CarePRO), in May.
CarePRO will provide free dementia-related education and training workshops in Yuma. The classes are designed to "reduce caregiver stress, enhance caregiver well-being, and help caregivers manage difficult care-giving situations."
The CarePRO program will meet for 2-1/2 hours every other week over 10 weeks, with the first class on May 7. The classes will be held at the Yuma Regional Medical Center Corporate Center, 399 W. 32nd St.
Interested caregivers must preregister by calling 1-520-322-6601. Free in-home respite services are available to participants.
Through the program, caregivers will learn the latest about dementia and its impact; how to manage frustration, irritation and stress; how to communicate with their loved ones; and how to take better care of their own health.
"They will learn to cope better," said Kelly Raach, regional director of the Desert Southwest Chapter. "The classes have a really high success rate."
The CarePRO program is just one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s many service. The Desert Southwest Chapter has been providing local support, services and information since 1981.
The chapter helps people with memory problems, families caring for them and health-care providers through several core programs: a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), family care consultation for individual care planning, support groups, MedicAlert + Safe Return, education classes and programs for people with early stage Alzheimer’s.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, programs or CarePRO, visit www.alz.org/dsw or email kraach@alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-520-322-6601.
Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.
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