SE WA ALTC – COG provides a variety of evidence based programing that is specific to caregiver and/or dementia related concerns. Please contact you local ADRC Office to see if the programs below are offered in your county and how to be referred.
Staying Connected: Early Stage Memory Loss (ESML) –Staying Connected is a health promotion and social support program developed for individuals experiencing memory loss and their care partner. Staying Connected consists of four weekly 90-minute discussion sessions in which participants learn methods for coping with memory loss, communication, and staying engaged in social and pleasant activities. Upon completion of the program, individuals feel empowered being armed with new information and strategies for success. The series is facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers –Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based class series over six weeks designed to help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a family member or friend. The series is facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association. Topics include:
- Identifying and reducing personal stress
- Communicating feelings, needs, and concerns
- Communicating in challenging situations
- Taking care of you
- Problem solving and goal setting
- Mastering tough caregiving decisions
Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease Program (RDAD) –RDAD is another evidence-based caregiver education program developed by the University of Washington to help caregivers caring for someone with dementia. It combines exercise training with teaching caregivers how to manage dementia-related behavior problems in person with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. The program consists of 12 sessions over 11 weeks; each session is an hour in length.
Star-C Program –STAR-C is a program designed to help caregivers who are caring for and living with someone with dementia. Field tested by the University of Washington, this six-week program has been shown to reduce depression in caregivers and decrease unwanted behaviors in the person with dementia.