Single-day boot camps offer Alzheimer’s, dementia caregiver training

Single-day boot camps offer Alzheimer’s, dementia caregiver training
Naples Senior Center at JFCS program gives guidance, support

An enormous responsibility falls on caregivers for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Naples Senior Center at JFCS is committed to giving them the tools and training they so desperately need through its next Caregiver Boot Camp, set for Thursday, June 21 from 10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at the senior center on 5025 Castello Drive.

The workshop, provided at no charge through a Southwest Florida Community Foundation grant, includes education on caregiving techniques, strategies for relieving stress and tips on managing daily activities, plus discussion and social support. Caregivers will also learn ways to engage their loved ones through simple means like card games, word puzzles and music.

“These Caregiver Boot Camps are based on an innovative program that has proven successful in empowering caregivers to serve the people who count on them every day,” says Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Naples Senior Center at JFCS. “We’re proud and fortunate to be able to put on the workshops here in Southwest Florida, where the need is so dire.”

Approximately 22,000 people in the greater Naples area have been diagnosed with some form of dementia. More than 80 percent of caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia would like more support with caregiving, and two out of three caregivers feel isolated or alone, according to Alzheimer’s Association research.

The first Caregiver Boot Camp, held on March 13, elicited rave reviews. The more than two dozen caregivers who took part said that they liked the program, felt it was beneficial, were extremely likely to attend another Caregiver Boot Camp and would recommend it to a friend.

Naples Senior Center at JFCS also provides direct help to people with early to mid-stage dementia through eight weekly dementia respite groups that promote overall wellness, language skills, memory techniques, relaxation techniques, socialization and self-esteem building. The Caregiver Boot Camps go hand-in-hand with the dementia respite program to address the full scope of the impact dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have on the community.

Caregivers are often short on time, so the boot camps last only half a day, and lunch is complimentary. On-site care for loved ones is also provided.

June 14 is the last day to RSVP, and space is limited. To book a spot obtain more information, call 239-325-4444 and ask for Anne Chernin.