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. Due to COVID-19, our classes will be structured differently this year.
Registration is closed for the Spring 2021.
We will be offering two types of classes this spring:
1) A live, interactive class: this class will be led by Alison Lynn, LCSW and will meet once per week via Zoom on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., from March 9th to April 20th. You will receive class materials via PDF. The class will be capped at 12 participants.
2) An asynchronous class: this class will be pre-recorded by Felicia Greenfield, LCSW and can be taken at the participant’s own pace. Modules will be available to download via Zoom on March 9th. You will receive class materials via PDF. Felicia will hold office hours to answer questions on Wednesdays from March 10 to April 14 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Individuals who complete the caregiver class will have the opportunity to join a new support group that will start in Spring 2021.
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: Alison Lynn, LCSW at alison.lynn@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-360-0257