Education Program On Communication Helps Families Facing Alzheimer’s

Individuals living with dementia often experience changes in behavior that can be confusing to friends and family. For caregivers, learning to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language can help both parties to connect and communicate in meaningful ways.

Effective Communication Strategies is a program provided by the Alzheimer’s Association® that explores how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s disease. By the end of the program, attendees will be able to:

• Explain the communication changes that take place throughout the course of the disease.
• Decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and respond in ways that are helpful to the person.
• Identify strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.

Effective Communication Strategies includes video interviews with professionals who explain critical aspects of communication throughout the Alzheimer’s journey and caregivers who share tips that have worked for their families.

To help caregiver communicate well, the Alzheimer’s Association® is offering the Effective Communication Strategies program on Tuesday, January 8 from 9-11 am.  The course will be held at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave, Santa Maria, CA.   Call (800) 272-3900 to register in advance.  Seating is limited.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the premier source of information and support for the five million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Through its national network of chapters, it offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer’s-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long-term care providers.

To find out about other dates and locations for classes in your area, call the Alzheimer’s Association at (805) 636-6432.