ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION OFFERS FREE VIRTUAL EDUCATION CLASSES FOR ALL NEW YORK RESIDENTS

While we enter the New Year with great hope, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the health of millions in this country and around the world. Steps have been taken to provide care and support for those who need it, however, the virus continues to present unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans, including 410,000 in New York, living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

 The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter is offering free virtual education programs throughout January and February to help local caregivers throughout our 17-county area. Our Winter Caregiver Connection series includes a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible. Caregivers are encouraged to register for one or all of the programs in the series.

 “A person living with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holiday season and post months because of the changes he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precautions,” said Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Executive Director Beth Smith-Boivin. “The start of the New Year can already bring stress, but the current COVID-19 crisis is magnifying those stressors. Providing support to Alzheimer’s caregivers is critical and this virtual series allows us to connect with caregivers and provide necessary information even amid the current crisis.”

 Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online. 

 Upcoming virtual education programs in January include: 

·       Facilitating Storytelling for Caregivers* (presented with SUNY Otswego): Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.

*Register at RecollectionProject.net

·       Effective Communication Strategies: Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.

·       Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

·       Know the 10 Warning Signs: Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

·       Managing Difficult Behaviors: Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.

·       COVID Tips for Caregivers: Jan. 28 at 11 a.m.

Upcoming virtual education programs in February include: 

·       Difficult Conversations: An Overview of Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Planning: Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

·       Effective Communication Strategies: Feb. 5 at noon

·       Legal and Financial Planning: Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

·       Managing Difficult Behaviors: Feb. 12 at noon

·       Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

·       Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

  For a complete list of upcoming programs, or to register for a program, visit alz.org/crf or call our office at 518.675.7214.

 In addition to the virtual education classes, the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) offers around-the-clock support for caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all dementia.

 More than 16 million family and friends, including more than 1 million in New York provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/COVID19.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.