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 2019:
Session One:
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, from September 24 to November 12
(no class October 8)
Session Two:
Noon to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, from October 3 to November 14
These classes are full. To join a wait list, please contact Alison Lynn, LCSW at alison.lynn@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-360-0257.
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, LSW at alison.lynn@uphs.upenn.edu or 215-360-0257