Family and Community Support Services Lloydminster is inviting professional and family caregivers supporting those with dementia or memory loss to take advantage of a free web series on care and self-care.
The eight-part series will allow participants to engage with facilitators from Caregivers Alberta and covers topics such as dementia, grief and managing stress throughout the care journey.
Manager of Social Programs and Services Patrick Lancaster says the workshop is open to anyone within the health system and those with family members experiencing dementia. He adds it will help give them more tools and support as they deliver care.
“It will touch on some of the signs and symptoms for recognizing dementia and strategies of care, ranging from managing difficult behaviours and self-care strategies. We’ll talk a bit about managing stress, understanding feelings of guilt, dealing with conflict, and trying to empower caregivers as they go through the journey of care and take care of somebody who is experiencing dementia.”
Lancaster says they hope participants will feel rejuvenated after the session and continue helping those around them.
“Caring for others also means caring for ourselves. One cannot be expected to care for others if they’re not taking care of themselves. Through these sessions, we’re hopeful participants gain valuable insight into their mental health and well-being and techniques to keep their mental acuity high.”
Sessions are scheduled for every Tuesday from January 19 to March 9 and recorded sessions will be available online until March 28. The schedule and topics are listed below.
- January 19 – Recognizing Dementia
- January 26 – Managing Difficult Behaviours
- February 2 – Navigating Through the System of Care: Post Dementia Diagnosis
- February 9 – Managing Stress
- February 16 – Re-Labelling Guilt: Understanding our Emotions
- February 23 – Negotiating Through Conflict
- March 2 – Dealing with Prolonged Grief: Embracing the New Person that Emerges
- March 9 – Empowering the Mind, Body and Spirit
The sessions are funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program.