Fraser Valley – An increasing number of Fraser Valley residents are finding themselves caring for a family member.
The reason? Dementia, the medical term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.
“The physical and psychological toll on family caregivers is considerable,” says Cyndi Mcleod, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Support & Education Coordinator for Chilliwack.
Knowing the signs of caregiver stress and finding ways to get support are important for both families and those for whom they are caring. To help families on the dementia journey, the Society brings its free Family Caregiver Series workshop to the area for three Fridays starting on October 12.
Designed for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia, the series shares information about dementia, coping strategies, and early planning.
“We offer practical techniques and strategies that caregivers can begin using immediately,” Mcleod says.
The Abbotsford workshop runs on October 20, 27 and November 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at Garden Park Tower, 2825 Clearbrook Road. Pre-registration is required by contacting the regional Alzheimer Resource Centre at 604-859-3889 or info.southfraser@alzheimerbc.
The Chilliwack workshop runs on October 12, 19 and 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Landing Sports Centre, 45530 Spadina Avenue. Pre-registration is required by contacting the regional Alzheimer Resource Centre at 604-702-4603 or info.southfraser@alzheimerbc.
The workshop is free thanks to partial funding by the Brian & Beverley de La Mothe Foundation, The Rix Family Foundation, The Phyliss & Irving Snider Foundation, Seacliff Foundation, The 1988 Foundation, St. Mary’s Health Foundation of New Westminster, Margaret Rothweiler Charitable Foundation, Wheeler Family Foundation, Paul Lee Family Foundation, The Highbury Foundation, Jack Brown & Family Alzheimer Research Foundation, The Clark Family Foundation, Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation, Colin & Lois Pritchard Foundation, The Kapler-Carter Foundation, The Belmont Foundation, The Legion Foundation, The Lecky Foundation, Provincial Employees Community Services Fund and by the generous contributions of individual donors.
The Society acknowledges the financial support of the Province of B.C.
More information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is available at www.alzheimerbc.org.
