Savvy Caregiver Classes

eing a family caregiver for someone with dementia is not easy. In fact, a study of caregiving found that a significant number of family caregivers died before the person for whom they were providing care. And those family caregivers are all around us.

According to Stephen M. Harmon, regional director of the Alzheimers Association Coachella Valley office, It is estimated that 11,000 Coachella Valley residents are affected with Alzheimers disease or other dementias. That means there are likely more than 30,000 unpaid family caregivers right here in our community. 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.

As part of its mission to provide and enhance care and support for all affected by Alzheimers disease, the Coachella Valley Regional Office of the Alzheimers Association (69-730 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage) is offering a free six-week class for caregivers. Classes will be held on Monday mornings beginning January 23, 2012. 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 Alzheimers disease or other dementias at home.

The Savvy Caregiver curriculum includes information about dementia and its effect on memory and cognition. Participants learn how to assess the level of dementia and adjust their expectations and caregiving tasks accordingly. The Savvy Caregiver class also provides practical tools the caregiver can use for the person with dementia, and teaches strategies to care for themselves.

To learn more about the Savvy Caregiver training, phone Perry Wiggins, care consultant, at the Alzheimers Association Coachella Valley Regional office, 760-328-5726.

In addition to the Savvy Caregiver training, The Alzheimers Association currently offers a dozen caregiver support groups meeting at various times and locations throughout the Valley, from Palm Springs to Coachella, and a group that meets in the Morongo Basin. This includes two groups in Spanish. All support groups are led by individuals who have been trained by the Alzheimers Association.

The work of the Alzheimers Association is supported by donations and gifts from individuals, as well as the generous support of community foundations including Desert Healthcare District and the Berger Foundation. The primary fundraising event each year is the Walk to End Alzheimers (formerly Memory Walk). The 13th annual Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.