Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia can be a very overwhelming experience. Often, caregivers neglect their own well-being because they devote so much time to the responsibilities of day-to-day caregiving. This program examines caregiver stress and offers coping strategies to become a healthier caregiver.

This program is designed to provide caregivers a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Caregivers of individuals with dementia will learn about the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the process of getting a diagnosis, strategies for caring for someone with dementia, and much more.

Behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can pose concerns for family caregivers. As the disease progresses, behavior often becomes the primary way people with the disease communicate their needs. Learn why people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia experience behavior changes, what those behaviors mean, and how to cope when behaviors are challenging.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people with the disease lose their ability to use words to communicate. Join us to learn how to improve communication at each stage of the disease, including how to recognize behavior as a form of communication. Topics will include how to identify verbal and non-verbal messages to connect with the person living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging. This program differs from “Understanding Dementia” as it explores the differences between normal age-related memory changes and abnormal changes that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, including some of the common warning signs.

This program is designed to help caregivers identify and implement activities that match the abilities and preferences of a person with dementia. Caregivers will learn how Alzheimer’s disease affects the person’s ability to complete tasks and obtain strategies for how to engage a person with dementia in activities that can be meaningful and enjoyable.

Guest speaker webinar: Presented by Karen Z. Kowalski, MPH, OTR, CAPS and Rutgers University Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students. Caring for a loved one with dementia can present unique safety challenges at home, but small environmental changes can make a big difference in reducing risks, supporting independence, and even easing caregiver stress.

The decision to place a loved one with dementia in a residential care facility can be difficult, confusing, and fraught with understandable emotion. There are many issues to consider.

Currently, there is no surefire way to prevent dementia, but there is growing research that shows we can potentially reduce our risk for dementia by addressing lifestyle factors. This program explores what brain health is as well as the difference between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia. This program also describes practical, evidence-based lifestyle strategies - such as exercise, sleep, and social engagement - that can help support brain health over time.