Help Available For Families Struggling With Alzheimer's

With more than 11,000 Coachella Valley residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, the Rancho Mirage-based Alzheimer's Association is offering aid to valley caregivers.

"This is a role that no one plans for or expects, but which can impact the caregiver as profoundly as it does the person with dementia,” said Stephen M. Harmon, regional director of Alzheimer’s Association’s Coachella Valley office. 

Classes will be held on Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning Jan. 23, but no class will be held on Feb. 20.

Supported by a grant from Archstone Foundation, the Savvy Caregiver training is offered free of charge to those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias at home.

The work of the Alzheimer’s Association is supported by donations and gifts from individuals, as well as the support of community foundations including Desert Healthcare District and the Berger Foundation.

The primary fundraising event each year is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (formerly Memory Walk). The 13th annual Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, at Palm Desert and registration is open at www.alzla.org/walk/cv.

To learn more about the classes, contact Perry Wiggins, care consultant, at the Alzheimer’s Association Coachella Valley Regional office, 760-328-5726.