Workshop for Caregivers Will Look at Dementia, Brain Health

Strategies for improving brain health, coping with dementia and what to do when a loved one is hospitalized are part of a free workshop for caregivers at Catholic Charities Hawaii on June 24.

“Caring for family is a tough job and education and training is a way to ease the stress of caregiving. It’s part of our missions for AARP Hawaii and our partners at Catholic Charities Hawaii to help caregivers,” said Barbara Kim Stanton, state director for AARP Hawaii.

People thinking about their future needs, caregivers and family members can learn how to better care for loved ones, get connected to resources and information, and meet other caregivers at the workshop.

Dr. Kamal Masaki, a professor and chair of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Hawaii medical school, will speak about the latest research on brain health and dementia and steps to take to improve your brain health.

Dr. Aida Wen, an associate professor at the Department of Geriatric Medicine, will share non-medication strategies for coping with challenging dementia behavior.

AARP Hawaii and Catholic Charities are co-sponsoring the workshop, which start at 9 a.m. and run until noon, at the Catholic Charities Hawaii facility on the corner of Keeaumoku and Nehoa streets. Parking is free, but car-pooling is encouraged to make sure there are enough spaces. Bus stops are nearby. Register at aarp.cvent.com/care6-24 or call 1-877-926-8300.

Audrey Suga-Nakagawa, AARP Hawaii’s Director of Advocacy, will update national and local policies that affect caregivers and those wishing to age at home. Suga-Nakagawa will also talk about the CARE  (Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable) Act, a new takes effect July 1 that helps caregivers when a loved one goes into the hospital.

The law provides three basic rights:

• Provides the patient with an opportunity to designate a family caregiver on their medical record.
• Requires the hospital to notify the caregiver before a patient is discharged or transferred to another facility.
• Requires hospitals to offer instructions on the medical tasks you will need to perform at home after a patient is discharged.

AARP Hawaii helped pass the CARE Act and is offering free wallet cards to remind you of your rights. To get a card go to http://action.aarp.org/careHI  or call 1-866-295-7282. Put the card next to your insurance cards, so you’ll have it available in an emergency.