Alzheimer’s Association
reaches out to caregiversA new program offers training
and tools to help in patient care
The Alzheimer's Association-Aloha Chapter has launched Caregiver University in Hawaii to help those caring for people with Alzheimer's disease or other illnesses.
Hawaii has one of the fastest growing over-65 populations in the nation, said Janet Eli, Aloha Chapter executive director.
"Many of these elders become physically frail or develop dementia, decline in memory, judgment and problem solving," she said, noting the "enormous impact that Alzheimer's disease and related dementia can have on families and caregivers."
The Caregiver University is designed for family members, nurses, home health aides, long-term care staff, activity directors, social workers, facility administrators, adult day care staff, care managers and volunteers, she said.
It addresses three critical needs -- caregiver training and tools, self-care, and one-on-one coaching -- to help those caring for older persons with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, stroke, or other illnesses, she said.
Hawaii's Alzheimer's population alone is estimated at 20,000.
"Most people don't have six to seven weeks to learn about something," Eli said, so they can call the Alzheimer's Association to arrange for a "What Now?" 1 1/2-hour introductory workshop in a small, interactive setting.
"They can come to us (at the association office) or we can go to them in their home or meet them in their community," she said. "We really try to work around the family's time frame or need."
Also, since many caregivers don't have time to read long books on Alzheimer's, participants receive a complimentary Resource Manual, Eli said.
The workshop and manual cover these topics: "Education on the Disease," "Putting Legal and Financial Affairs in Order," "Learning to Manage Challenging Behaviors," "Taking Care of Yourself," "Hiring and Managing In-Home Caregivers," "When It's Time to Move" and "Extended Family and Friends."
The Caregiver University began this month, modeled after a program developed by the Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties in California.
Seven Aloha Chapter staff members and three volunteers received special training for the course, Eli said.
Appointments can be scheduled at a person's choice of location for caregiver coaching or one-on-one meetings for support and education.
Eli said one of the toughest issues for caregivers is self-care.
Participants will learn to develop and practice self-care tools, how to thrive as individuals while managing caregiving responsibilities, how to deal with personal stress and learn effective and constructive communication skills, she said.
The Caregiver University has two curricula, one for family members and caregivers and the other for professional caregivers.
All sessions are free for family caregivers and members, although donations are appreciated. Professionals will pay a fee on a sliding scale.
Professional caregivers, such as nurses, social workers and adult day care staff, can participate in a 16-hour comprehensive training course for an Achievement Certificate.
The course, covering issues related to quality dementia care, can be held on two eight-hour days or in four four-hour segments.
The Caregiver University is partially funded by a grant from the Honolulu City & County Office on Aging. Community partners include the Franciscan Adult Day Care, Windward Seniors Hope Day Care Center, The Plaza at Punchbowl; Adult Residential Care Homes and the Hawaii Coalition of Care Home Administrators.
For more information or to arrange for a class, call the Aloha Chapter at 591-2771.