AARP Caregiver College

ARE YOU CARING FOR AN OLDER ADULT OR LOVED ONE?

Over one million Virginians are caring for older parents or loved ones, helping them to live independently at home. It’s a labor of love, to be sure. And a huge responsibility.

AARP wants to help make this big responsibility a little easier. That’s why we have teamed up with Mount Vernon at Home and the  Alzheimer’s Association® National Capital Area Chapter to present the Caregiver College.  Over the course of six weeks, we’ll cover topics including legal and financial planning, healthy living, communications, self-care, and more. You’ll connect with other caregivers and learn about the many local resources available to help you become a better caregiver.

Classes will be held at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.   Come to all classes or to as many as fit your schedule.

Light refreshments will be served. Classes are free and open to all.

Registration is kindly requested.  To register, please call 1-877-926-8300 or click on the class link below.

Effective Communication Strategies
Wednesday, May 2^nd
Explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and identify strategies to help connect and communicate at each state of the disease.

Know the 10 Signs: Your Memory Matters
Wednesday, May 9^th
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. This class provides a greater understanding of the difference between age-related memory loss and dementia and what to do it you see the signs.

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Caregiver
Wednesday, May 16^th
Among your many responsibilities as a caregiver are also legal questions you have to face. What do you have to consider when making decisions for someone else? At what points are being “just a caregiver” not enough to make decisions? How do you go about getting the authority you need? This workshop will cover making decisions as an agent with health or financial powers of attorney, guardian, representative payee and more.

Manage the Economic Stressors of Caregiving
Wednesday, May 23^rd
Taking on the role of caregiver can stress your personal finances but there are steps you can take to manage the risk. This workshop offers suggestions on government programs, resources, and strategies that may help ease any financial burden.

Instructors :

Sally Balch Hurme, J.D., has led the national conversation on many of the legal issues of concern to older persons, their families, and their caregivers. Whether the issue is how to make decisions for others or plan for what comes next, she has focused her professional career on explaining the law so everyone can understand it. Recently retired after more than 20 years at AARP, she has focused most recently on providing support and resources for caregivers. Hurme is the author of the award winning ABA/AARP Checklist series: Checklist for Family Caregivers, Checklist for My Family, Checklist for Family Survivors, and Get the Most Out of Retirement.

Jane Priest, Regional Program & Services Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter
Jane is a graduate of Maine State School of Nursing, class of 1969.  Early in her career, Jane served as a clinical nurse in hospital and long term care settings, providing care for individuals with mental health issues, neurological disorders, brain diseases and related cognitive impairments.

In 1996, Jane joined the Alzheimer’s Association as the Director of Patient and Family Service Programs   and was instrumental in the leadership, growth and development of the National Capital Area Chapter.

For the past 22 years Jane has served in a variety of positions for the Alzheimer’s Association, providing educational and supportive programs for families, diagnosed individuals and family caregivers. She shares her many years of first-hand experience and knowledge through speaking engagements, including classroom instruction, caregiver workshops, conferences and seminars. She has been a caregiver for her personal family as well.

 

 

No solicitation and no products or services will be promoted or sold. Information presented at the event is intended solely to educate attendees on common issues in caregiving and does not constitute legal or financial advice.  Before making any changes to you or your loved ones’ situation, please consult your legal and financial advisors.

 

Photo credit: istock.com/LisaFX