Caring & Coping Workshop offers important answers for families, professional caregivers

Caregivers for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias often feel overwhelmed and alone. Alzheimer's Tennessee's upcoming Caring and Coping Workshop offers support and strategies for family and professional caregivers.

Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. hosts its "Caring & Coping" Caregiver Training Workshop in Putnam County on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Trinity Assembly Church, 205 West Wall St., Algood, TN. Registration is at 8 a.m., with a welcome at 8:30 a.m. There will be a lunch break and the workshop ends at 3:30 p.m.

"Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be exhausting," says Cheryl Blanchard, a licensed social worker and educator at the upcoming Alzheimer's Tennessee Workshop. "Too often we Tennesseans have a lot of southern pride and just won't ask for help. We think we can do it all and that needing help is a sign of weakness. However, there comes a time when you need to ask for help? for your own sake and for the sake of the loved one in your care. Knowing when you need help and how to get it are among the practical tips Alzheimer's caregivers will learn at the Caring and Coping Workshop."

Blanchard will also share insight on how to interpret the often confusing and challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer's disease and provide caregivers practical strategies for managing them.

The Oct. 17 workshop also features an overview of the medical aspects of Alzheimer's disease from Chet Gentry, MD and a look at the legal issues facing families and caregivers of those with dementia from attorney Marie C. Ferran, JD.

"Alzheimer's disease takes a heavy toll on many Tennessee families," says Janice Wade-Whitehead, President and CEO of Alzheimer's Tennessee. "More than 70% of all care given to those touched by the disease is provided by family caregivers. The Caring and Coping Workshops are an opportunity for caregivers to get the practical information they need. We hope families will be led to have conversations and make decisions before they get into a crisis."

The Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. "Caring & Coping" workshops provide valuable practical training for family care partners, volunteers and professional care providers facing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The day-long session will give participants a better understanding of the disease, its process and available treatments. Participants also will learn practical tips for caring for those touched by dementia while maintaining their own health, happiness and spirituality during the course of the disease.

Advance registration is required and seating is limited. Cost is $25 for family caregivers and $45 for healthcare professionals (CEU credits will be available). The fee includes workshop materials, lunch and refreshments. Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance. For more information, call Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. at 931-526-8010 or visit www.alzTennessee.org to sign up.