The Penn Memory Center offers several formats of a psycho-educational Caregiver Class for those caring for a family member or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia.
Caregivers of people with AD or other forms of dementia may experience feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, hopelessness, or frustration. This course is designed to help caregivers develop skills to better help their loved ones – and themselves – cope with the many changes of living with dementia. Unlike a typical support group, this course offers a unique six-week curriculum. While participants will learn specific techniques to better care for loved ones, this class stresses ways of coping with the personal and emotional challenges caregivers face.
Class Formats:
In-Person Class: This class is held in the fall on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., from October 8 to November 12, at the Smilow Center for Translational Research 1-103. Due to room size, the class is limited to 10 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
The class is open to anyone caring for someone with dementia at any stage, with much of the curriculum geared toward individuals caring for someone who needs support with tasks such as managing money, medicines, cooking, or driving, and who may be showing changes in their personality and behavior.
Commitment to attending all six weeks is required. Priority is given to current PMC patients. Non-PMC individuals are encouraged to make a contribution to the Caplan Fund to join this program. If you are not affiliated with the Penn Memory Center, you can join this class/program if you donate any amount to the Caring Difference fund. Click here to donate.
Zoom Class: Scheduled for the winter, starting mid-January, the Zoom class will have dates and times determined later, but it will be held in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate people who work. Registration for this class will begin in early fall.
Asynchronous Class: This pre-recorded class, led by Felicia Greenfield, LCSW, can be taken at your own pace. It includes the same material as the live caregiver classes but without the in-person or virtual office hours with a social worker. You can start whenever you like and move through it at your own pace.
Topics Include:
• Understanding and better managing behavior and emotions, especially conflicting, negative or distressing thoughts and feelings;
• Finding the personal “fuel” needed for caregiving through strategies including recognizing and sustaining pleasant events;
• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and others to access needed help;
• Understanding what’s ahead, and planning medical, legal, and financial next steps.
For more information, please contact: Alison Lynn, LCSW at alison.lynn@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-360-0257