Free Workshop Offered for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

A free workshop will help caregivers with loved ones with dementia better understand the condition and learn skills to deal with challenging behaviors. The in-person workshop, sponsored by AARP Hawai`i, will be held on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Windward Community College's Akoakoa room.

The workshop will cover Normal vs. Not Normal Aging: Understanding the Difference and Challenging Behaviors in Dementia Care: Recognizing Unmet Needs. The first session will teach caregivers to recognize and intervene effectively when behavioral challenges occur and to develop skills to better approach and connect with dementia patients. The second session will look at physical and emotional needs that can cause challenging behaviors and teach techniques to connect and comfort loved ones with dementia.

Participants must register to attend the sessions. Call 877-926-8300 or go to events.aarp.org/care7-1 to sign up. You can also go to local.aarp.org or the AARP Hawai`i Facebook page or website at aarp.org/hi to learn about and register for all the events AARP is offering.

Lunch will be provided to those who register and select a lunch by June 27th.

Dorothy Colby, a certified Positive Approach to Dementia Care trainer and national mentor will facilitate the workshop.