Workshops on reality of dementia

COMMUNITY — Kamloops residents face a serious health reality: the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is growing rapidly.

That means more families have to cope with the issues of caregiving. The non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. is helping residents prepare for those challenges with three free workshops this month.

The first, Heads Up! An Introduction to Brain Health, will remind participants that their muscles aren’t the only things needing a regular workout. “Healthy aging is important for everyone, and it is essential not to forget the health of your brain as well,” said Tara Hildebrand, the society’s support and education coordinator for Kamloops & the Central Interior.

The workshop, offering strategies for actively engaging in protecting and maintaining the brain, runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The next week, Hildebrand will lead a Getting to Know Dementia workshop that reviews the challenges of receiving a diagnosis of dementia.

Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, how to begin planning for the future and strategies for living well.

The session is intended for people experiencing early symptoms of dementia, as well as family members or friends who are currently supporting a person with a recent dementia diagnosis. The workshop is not intended for the general public or health-care providers.

The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The third workshop, Life in Residential Care, focuses on the process of adjustment after a person with dementia has moved into a residential care facility.

“You will learn about the changes to your role as a caregiver that this transition can bring and how to enhance your visits,” said Hildebrand.

The session will also review strategies for working effectively with a care team, and offer tips for acting as an advocate within a residential care setting. The workshop runs on Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops, which take place at the Alzheimer Society Resource Centre, 405-235 1st Ave. For information and to register contact Tara Hildebrand at 250-377-8200 or thildebrand@alzheimerbc.org.