The Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
offers numerous caregiver programs throughout our 20-county
service area focusing on issues or concerns families face
during the disease process. Our organization strives to enhance
the quality of life for the Alzheimer’s patient, and
his/her caregiver by providing education and tools to enhance
coping skills.
These programs are underwritten through grants and agency
in-kind donations. To attend a program, call (309) 681-1100
or
(800) 272-3900.
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EARLY STAGE
Making Sense
of Memory Loss
This program discusses the causes of memory loss, importance
of medical evaluations and treatments, ways to adapt attitudes
and behaviors when dealing with individuals with memory loss
and the skills necessary to more easily manage daily tasks.
This series is appropriate to attend if two or more of these
statements are applicable:
• Has been diagnosed by a physician with mild cognitive
impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• Can manage his/her own personal care including bathing,
dressing and toileting.
• Can stay home alone safely for a few hours.
• Has good language skills.
Rochelle VFW
318 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 17 & 24
Program made in part made possible
by a grant from Northern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
Hancock County Health Department
671 Wabash St. Carthage, IL
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thurs., March 6 & 13
Program in part made possible by
West Central Illinois Agency on Aging
Legal & Financial
Series
This program features local attorneys that cover topics
such as: patients’ rights, power of attorney, guardianship,
advance directives, address estate planning, Medicaid, asset
protection, fraud prevention and spousal impoverishment. This
is for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and other
memory-loss disorders.
Partnering with
Your Doctor
This workshop will provide strategies to help caregivers
establish a doctor/patient/care partner relationship that
allows them to more effectively manage and be a part of their
healthcare team in order to make informed healthcare decisions.
Workshop topics will include communicating with your doctor,
getting organized for doctor visits, reducing stress, and
learning to use a care journal.
Maintain
Your Brain
Participants will earn how memory works, what happens
to our memory as we age and what we can do to improve our
memory skills. This program will discuss steps to take care
of your brain now.
Facing New Challenges
Participants will learn the basics of Alzheimer’s Disease,
new communication approaches and ways to plan for the future.
*Registration required, starts in Sept.
Alzheimer’s Association
Peoria Office
606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria IL
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The 3rd Monday of each the month
Mon., Jan. 21
Mon., Feb. 18
Mon. Mar. 17
Program in part made possible by
a grant from Heart of Illinois United Way
Stressed Holidays
Participants will learn how to deal with issues arrising from
holiday stressors.
Quincy Senior Center
639 York St., Quincy, IL
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Fri., Jan. 4
Program in part made possible by
West Central Illinois Agency on Aging
What Every Veteran and Spouse Should Know
This program discusses the legal, financial, and health choices
every verteran and their spouse should know, within the context
of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association
Quincy Area Office
639 York St., Quincy, IL
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fri., Mar., 7
Program in part made possible by
West Central Illinois Agency on Aging
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MIDDLE STAGE
Caregiving
Challenges Series
This program provides information on ways to enhance caregiver
skills, plan for the future, meet daily challenges, communicate
effectively with physicians, provide meaningful activities
and explore community resource options.
This series is appropriate to attend if two or more of these
statements are applicable to the individual with memory loss:
• Exhibits behavior changes including wandering, hallucinations,
delusions or aggression.
• Has difficulty sequencing tasks such as bathing, dressing,
driving or eating.
• Experiences difficulty expressing an idea or naming
an object.
• Has developed repetitive speech or behavior patterns.
Alzheimer’s Association
Peoria Office
606 W. Glen Ave., Peoria IL
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 2 & 9
Program in part made
possible by
Central Illinois Agency on Aging.
Morton Public Library
315 W. Pershing, Morton, IL
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thurs., March 6, 13 & 20
Program in part made possible
by
Central Illinois Agency on Aging.
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LATE STAGE
The Long Goodbye:
Staying Connected and Letting Go.
The session provides information for those caring for individuals
in the later stages of memory loss disease. Participants learn
how to provide comfort care, connect through sensory stimulation
and cope with caregiver stress and grief.
The series is appropriate for those providing care to those
with Alzheimer’s and other memory-loss disorders who
do not recognize themselves or family members, are dependent
of others for daily care, have difficulty swallowing and speaking.
Quincy Senior Center
639 York St., Quincy, IL 62301
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 10
Program in part made possible by
West Central Illinois Agency on Aging
SUPPORT GROUPS
Last fall our staff facilitated an early stage support group
for persons with early dementia and their caregivers. The
group met for 6 weeks at our Peoria office. During group sessions,
participants split into two groups – one for the caregivers
and one for the persons with dementia.
Staff was encouraged by participant’s positive remarks
about the experience, which indicated that they had been able
to identify with others who understood what they were feeling.
Due to the success of the first group and request calls, we
are now facilitating a second early-stage group. Please call
Jen Rose at 309.681.1100 for more information.
Download support group list >> GO
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