ASHLAND — The Ashland Council on Aging will host a free Alzheimer’s Association program, The Empowered Caregiver: Building Foundations of Caregiving” on Monday, Aug. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. at 240 E. Third St.
Pre-registration is recommended. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. Free educational programs and support groups are offered monthly throughout Northwest Ohio.
Visit www.alz.org/crf and search by zip code to find scheduled local programs.
“Caring for someone living with dementia brings a unique set of challenges and rewards,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio and Central Ohio Chapters.
“With the right help and support, caregivers can be empowered to provide quality care while managing their own well-being.”
Topics presented during the Empowered Caregiver program include:
· The role of a caregiver and changes that may be experienced.
· Using a person-centered care approach when caring for loved ones.
· Building a support team.
· Managing caregiver stress.
“The burden on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers is significant,” Myers said. “A majority of our caregivers report that their emotional stress is high or very high.
“They experience physical stress, and often are juggling family and work responsibilities.”
There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.
A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $11.4 billion.
Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419-537-1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to free local resources.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.