Approximately 10,000 more Comox Valley residents will reach age 65 in the next decade, according to current population statistics.
With age the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. is increasing its education programs to help Valley families cope.
“It is through education that caregivers understand the disease and learn effective strategies to live with changing communication and behaviours,” says Jane Hope, the society’s central and north Island support and education co-ordinator.
“With this new understanding caregivers become empowered and they are ultimately more resilient on the dementia journey.”
The society offers its Family Caregiver Series workshop on Wednesday, March 6, sharing coping strategies for family members who are caring for a person with dementia.
The free session will help participants understand dementia, the changes it can cause in communication and behaviour, the changing roles in the family, and planning ahead and understanding the health-care system.
The Family Caregiver Series runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Florence Filberg Centre craft room, 411 Anderton Ave. in Courtenay.
Pre-registration is required, by calling Courtenay Recreation at 250-338-1000 or 250-338-5371.
The series is free — donations would be welcome — thanks to partial sponsorship by Province of B.C., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc., RBC Foundation, Pfizer Canada Inc., Frank and Yvonne McCracken Foundation, Lohn Foundation and Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, contact Hope toll-free at 1-800-462-2833 or or jhope@alzheimerbc.org, and visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
— Alzheimer Society of B.C.