Recent findings show that 1 in 3 seniors will become afflicted with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.The findings also reveal that millions of caregivers are providing billions of hours of unpaid care each year.
The need for dementia education and caregiver support has risen as Baby Boomers age because those providing unpaid care are primarily family members and friends, not eldercare professionals.
In response to the increase in the number of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia or memory loss, and the need for more caregiver support, Alzheimer Society of Washington has expanded their services in Whatcom County.
They’ve added a 6 week class designed for people providing care for a family member. Finding Your Stride – A Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Care classes help caregivers learn how to maintain their own emotional, mental, and physical health so they can best care for a loved one.
A new Staying Connected class was also added in Ferndale WA. The free weekly program is for adults who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia related illness and are able to participate and feel comfortable in a group setting. Staying Connected classes also meet weekly in Lynden and Bellingham.
“Caring for a person with memory loss is incredibly challenging. Access to local support and educational opportunities can be an important lifeline to those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” shares Kathy Sitker, executive director of Alzheimer Society of Washington.
Since 1983, Alzheimer Society of Washington has served Whatcom County residents affected by many forms of dementia.
The Bellingham-based nonprofit organizes free and subsidized programs including support groups for adults caring for a parent with dementia, for the caregiver and the person experiencing early memory loss, as well as monthly memory screenings. They also partner with Whatcom County Sheriff’s office to promote the use of Find Me Safe electronic bracelets, a life-saving tool that helps find those who wander.
“From the start, our goal has been to educate people about dementia-related diseases and to provide support and hope – and the need is great in Whatcom County. We are able to provide these services via grants, generous community partners and an annual fundraising campaign.”
This year’s fundraising event, An Affair to Remember – Gatsby Style, will be held at Best Western Lakeway Inn, 6 pm to 11 pm on March 1, 2014. Attendees will find hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, dinner, and music by The Atlantics. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Learn more about Alzheimer Society of Washington and the services they provide via phone at (360) 671-3316, or by visiting alzsociety.org.