MAUMEE — The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will offer a special webinar this month combining “Caring for the Caregiver” with the “Effective Communication Strategies,” educational program on Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 3 to 4 p.m.
During the pandemic, factors such as isolation have been a significant influence on the health and well-being of caregivers, and the impact of this isolation, which increases the risk of depression and anxiety, is becoming increasingly apparent.
Healthy Brain Initiative report
Nearly half of all caregivers (48%) who care for an older adult do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. About one in three Alzheimer’s caregivers report their health has gotten worse due to care responsibilities, compared with one out of five caregivers of other older adults. Isolation only increases these negative impacts on caregivers.
“COVID-19 has been difficult for all of us, increasing the incidence of depression, anxiety and isolation,” said Pam Myers, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter.
“For those who take care of someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, which is a 24/7 job, it has been particularly challenging. These caregivers have been increasingly isolated and many times unable to take advantage of usual support systems such as respite care.”
“Teaching caregivers how they can concentrate on caring for themselves is especially important during the pandemic when the family may not be able to provide extra support and having someone come to provide respite care may not be feasible,” Myers said. “Caregivers can always call us at 419-537-1999 to schedule a free care consultation, and we can direct them to additional local resources that can help.”
Caregiving is hard and can lead to feelings of stress, guilt, anger, sadness, and depression. “Caring for the Caregiver” will provide practical tips and information on how caregivers can care for themselves.
In addition, “Effective Communication Strategies” explores how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, how to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identifies strategies to help connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
This Alzheimer’s Association program was designed to provide practical information and resources to help dementia caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia.
In 2020, there were 442,000 caregivers who provided 590 million hours of unpaid care to 220,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900.
