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SIERRA VISTA — Caregivers of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are encouraged to attend a free workshop offered Wednesday.
Sponsored by the SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization, or SEAGO, along with the Southern Arizona Alzheimer’s Association, “Managing Difficult Behaviors” is the fourth segment of a six-part series designed to reach caregivers and anyone interested in learning more about dementia.
The keynote speaker, Fena Gray-Davidson, is an expert on Alzheimer’s and a well-known author on the disease.
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The session is from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sierra Vista Public Library, 2600 E. Tacoma St.
“We’re especially hoping to reach caregivers who are experiencing problematic behaviors with their loved ones,” said Emmy Fishman, program manager for the Southern Arizona Alzheimer’s Association. “These workshops provide an excellent format for helping people brainstorm solutions to problems they’re experiencing.”
The session, which is free and open to the public, offers helpful tips for dealing with some of the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as provides a number of resources aimed at enhancing patient care and support.
“Wandering is a big problem and by far one of the most dangerous for the person with dementia,” Fishman said. “Fortunately, there is a safe return program where people with dementia wear an identification bracelet with an address and phone number. The bracelet helps good Samaritans and law enforcement find the correct residence if that person wanders and becomes lost or confused.”
Statistically, 70 percent of all people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander, Fishman explained. Because it robs people of their memory, it causes disorientation to time, place and situations. Those with dementia will sometimes remember a former address from the past and have no recollection of where they’re currently living. That’s where the identification bracelet is a huge benefit for Alzheimer’s sufferers, as well as their caretakers.
“As an aging population, we’re going to have a huge influx of people with dementia,” Fishman said.
“There’s so much to learn about this disease. These sessions give people a place to gather and share information. The stress level of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is extremely high, so our goal is to provide caregivers an opportunity to compare experiences and let them know they’re not alone.”
Caregivers are urged take advantage of a helpline they can call for information, referrals or support. Manned by trained volunteers, the helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service for anyone with questions or concerns about Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. That number is 1-800-272-3900.
For information about the educational sessions, call Southern Arizona Alzheimer’s Association at 520-322-6601, or SEAGO at 432-5301.
Herald/Review reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618 or by e-mail at dana.cole@svherald.com.
TheSilverRose wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:22 PM:
Thank You! "