A diagnosis of dementia affects an entire family. And more and more Ashcroft families are being affected. Already, one in 11 Canadians over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and the incidence is growing.
That’s why the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. is offering two free education sessions locally for family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
“Caregivers will learn what to expect throughout the journey with dementia,” says Tara Hildebrand, regional Provincial Coordinator for the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. for Ashcroft and the Central Interior.
Understanding Dementia, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, will provide basic information about dementia and the impact the disease has on the individual, caregivers and families. Participants will explore how dementia affects the brain, and how it can change behaviours.
Caregivers who attend that afternoon can then attend the Understanding Communication workshop on Tuesday, March 1. They will gain an understanding of how communication is affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. They will also have the opportunity to explore effective ways of facilitating communication and providing support to the person with dementia.
Both workshops run from 1-4 p.m. at Ashcroft HUB (formerly Ashcroft Elementary), 711 Hill St. Pre-registration is required, by contacting Tara Hildebrand at 1-800-886-6946 or thildebrand@alzheimerbc.org .
More dementia resources are available at www.alzheimerbc.org.