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The Alzheimer's Association - Greater Dallas Chapter has a local office in Texoma, staffed with a full-time Manager of Family Services to insure those coping with this difficult disease have support, training, resources and a listening ear readily available.
On Thursday, April 16, 2009, Dianna Niemann-Harris, Manager of Family Services will offer a specialized training class on how to live with Alzheimer's. This class is designed for families providing care to loved ones with dementia and is equally appropriate for paid caregivers who work with AD and related memory loss. The six hour training covers physical care, dealing with problem behaviors, ways to communicate effectively, how to help insure the safety of a person with memory problems, and caring for the caregiver.
"Even when she didn't remember I was her daughter and couldn't recall my name, she almost always remembered I was someone who loved her," one caregiver said. Another shared, "Dad thought I was another man trying to get involved with his wife, but he still loved playing domino's with me and going for rides in my convertible!" A wife said, "I have to agree with him on everything, if I contradict what he says sometimes he tries to hit me or other people." These are just some of the situations of families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Living with Alzheimer's may be the most difficult thing many people ever face, but there IS help available!
The April 16 Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Class is from 9am to 3pm in the Chapel at Reba McEntire Rehabilitation Center, 1200 Reba McEntire Lane, Denison, TX. Relatives of persons with Alzheimer’s or related dementias attend the class at no charge. If space allows, professional caregivers may attend for a $25 fee. Morning snacks and lunch will be provided by Caring Hearts Hospice.
Registration is required to insure ample materials and meals. To register call 1-800-272-3900 or email your name, address and phone number to Dianna.Niemann-Harris@alz.org. Space is limited.