Madison Senior Center

Posted on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 at 3:26 pm

No one is ever prepared to become a caregiver for a loved one diagnosed with dementia. It is an unplanned experience and one that most people are unsure of how to prep for. Caregivers typically take on a physical, emotional, and financial toll, and many difficulties are often unknown to us until we begin to struggle. It is important to become, and continue to become, prepared for the eventuality of this situation.

Seventy eight percent of adults in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help. Looking for a platform to become educated about being a caregiver? Be proactive and check out the Preparing to Care program! Each week will feature local professionals who will talk about some of the challenges that caregivers face, and strategies for facing those challenges. This is a continuation of the Preparing to Care sessions that ran in October, but attendance in October is not necessary.

The first session will discuss “Preparing the Home”, and will cover home modifications, safety, and driving. The second session will focus on “A Day in the Life…” in which Wendy Betley, Program Director at the Alzheimer’s Association, will discuss topics including brain health, nutrition, and activities. Lastly, the third session will focus on “Caring for the Caregiver”, in which Jane De Broux, Dane County Caregiver Program Coordinator, will cover resources and support available to caregivers. Joy Schmidt, Dane County Dementia Care Specialist, will also discuss the grief process.

The three sessions will take place on Tuesday March 18 and 25, and April 1 from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Madison Senior Center. The cost is being offered at no charge, but registration is required. Please call the Madison Senior Center at (608) 266-6581 to register. If you need respite in order to attend, call Jane De Broux at (608) 240-7400 to discuss possible options.