The Penn Memory Center offers a seven-week Psycho-educational Caregiver Class for those caring for a family member/loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. All classes will be held at Ralston House, 3615 Chestnut Street, Room 241. These are the classes for Fall 2018:
Class 1:
Mondays, 2-4 PM
October 1st – November 12th
Facilitator: Felicia Greenfield
*FULL*
Class 2:
Wednesdays, 3-5 PM
October 3rd – November 14th
Facilitator: Alison Lynn
*FULL*
We will still accept applications to a waitlist for both classes.
Caregivers of people with AD or other forms of dementia may experience feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, hopelessness, or frustration. This course is designed help caregivers develop skills to better help their loved one – and themselves – cope with the many changes of living with dementia.
Unlike a typical support group, this course offers a unique seven-week curriculum. While participants will learn some specific techniques to better care for loved ones, this class stresses ways of coping with the personal and emotional challenges caregivers face.
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.
The class is open to anyone caring for someone with dementia of any stage, though much of the curriculum is 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.
For more information, please contact:
Felicia Greenfield, LCSW at felicia.greenfield@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-662-4523
Alison Lynn, LSW at alison.lynn@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-360-0257