Whether in person or online, you can find helpful instruction The Best Friends Dementia Bill of Rights states that people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia deserve to have care partners well trained in dementia care. Yet the vast majority of these individuals are cared for in a private residence by untrained and unpaid family members. Although these family members have the best intentions, they may not realize they are up against possibly the most complex caregiving situation imaginable. To say the least, it’s emotionally, physically and financially draining. Yet they attempt to juggle this added responsibility while still maintaining a career, family and social life — all of this without adequate training. Self-Education and Community Help The only way to survive is through ongoing self-education to aid in the “on the job training.” But even when we learn on the job, someone is typically there to guide us. Family members must find educational solutions that work for them, so that means trying different approaches to find the one that works for their unique situation. Contact the big dogs — the Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association — and get registered to receive important information about training opportunities they may offer. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to training. Contact local memory-care facilities in your area, too. They often have training classes for professionals and unpaid caregivers. Also, inquire about support groups; when you attend a support group, you get some of the best training possible as you learn from others who are ahead of you in this journey. Lack of Time? Go Online For some people, however, attending these classes in person adds yet another level of complexity to an already overwhelming schedule. The classes are...
