Many Langley families support a person with dementia at home.
As the disease progresses, some will need to consider residential care for their family member.
“It can be an effective option,” said Sarah Stott-Eveneshen, an Alzheimer Society of B.C. support and education co-ordinator for Langley and the South Fraser area.
Residential care does bring challenges, though, and not just for the person with dementia. Caregivers can see their role change during the transition, and will need to learn to work effectively with a care team.
“It’s a process of adjustment,” says Stott-Eveneshen.
To help local families with these issues, the society is offering a free workshop in Langley on Wednesday, Aug. 24. The workshop covers the role of the health authority and their case managers, and how to work effectively with a care team.
The workshop takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Chartwell Renaissance Retirement Residence, 6676 203 St. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register contact the South and East Fraser Resource Centre at 604-449-5000 or email info.southfraser@alzheimerbc.org.
The workshops are free, thanks to contributions by the province, as well as numerous businesses and individual donors.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias visit www.alzheimerbc.org.