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Wheat85 Asked May 24, 2024

Suggestions on Alzheimer/dementia classes?

Good evening everyone. I received such helpful answers for my last question that I decided to try again. I am looking for in-person classes or courses for people dealing with loved ones with dementia. I have watched several YouTube videos and webinars that feature Teepa Snow or Natali Edmonds and both women offer great advice and suggestions. I would like to see if I can find something other than caregiver support groups, which let me know I am not the only one dealing with caregiver issues, but they don't provide a lot of practical advice. I am looking at a website called "answersaboutALZ.org." I have called the number listed on the website, and talked with the woman who runs the organization. It was a brief conversation, and she sounded caring and knowedgeable, but I don't know how one measures the soundness or legitimacy of the organizations. Has anyone dealt with "answersaboutALZ.org"? Thanks everyone for your suppport.

researcherbarb May 25, 2024
I found a website and regularly attend online training sessions that help me with questions I may have re my mom who has dementia. The organization is Alzheimer's Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org. It's very legit, a non profit that truly helps. They have diagnosing info, a help line, support groups and online trainings. I have found these to be most helpful along with the Careblazers videos at careblazers.com (you referred to this as Natali Edmonds, the Dr who started these) and Teepa Snow videos at teepasnow.org (the occupational therapist specializing in dementia care). All these resources along with the ALZ.org site have been helpful to me.

JoAnn29 May 25, 2024
Where I live the local Assisted Living had seminars at their location. The Nurses I worked for were invited because they could receive CEUs. I just went along. Check out ALs, Community living and Senior centers to see if they provide something similar. Some Churches mat have ALZ/Dementia support groups.

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AlvaDeer May 25, 2024
Is this one of the outreach lines for ALZ.org?
Their reputation is very very good.
As you might guess, information is just that. You must trust, but VERIFY as Pres Reagan suggested.
Not everything works for everyone.
I would distrust anyone touting expensive items, drugs, supplements and other such trash, none of which is proven to do much other than empty your pockets.
I would check things out with the MD.
Sounds like you are doing well exploring, researching and collecting information and I truly congratulate you on the dedication to do so. It is an entire world, and in fact it was Oliver Sacks books (I recommend them all) that told us so much about the world of the mind when he said "They have an entire WORLD; it just isn't OUR world".

Wheat85 May 25, 2024
Thanks for your answers, everyone

Beatty May 24, 2024
I have no idea this is the right type of information for you. More education about dementia than specifically for caregiving, but I found it extrememly useful. There is a lot of content, but many videos, including interviews with families living with dementia.

It's a free online class, run by University of Tasmania (Australia).

I'll be back to add the link.

https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia

It re-starts at various times through the year. Self-paced with a certificate at the end for those in the workforce. Lots of opportunies to have group chats with others, from professionals to family caregivers from all over.

NeedHelpWithMom May 24, 2024
I found out about AgingCare website through a social worker. Ask your parent ‘s doctor to put you in touch with a social worker who may know if anything exists in your area.

Best of luck to you.

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