Baby boomers bear the brunt of caregiving
Published 5:56 pm Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Experts say the number of adult children taking care of their parents is going to increase dramatically in the years ahead. Recent statistics indicate there are nearly 10 million children over the age of 50 who care for their parents. As life expectancy increases, the responsibility of caregivers increases — especially if their loved one is experiencing memory loss of some kind.
The Cass County COA is offering a special six-week program that is designed to help caregivers increase their knowledge of what happens as memory loss takes place, such as with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees will also learn the stages of memory loss, increase their skills and outlook. This free class will be offered at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday, from April 1 to May 6. Dona Billey-Weiler, CSA, a Savvy Caregiving Certified Master Trainer, will lead the class.
Advance registration is required to ensure that there are enough materials. Advance registration will also allow caregivers who need it the opportunity to arrange respite care at the Lowe Center for their loved one at no charge. The caregiver or care receiver must be a resident of the state of Michigan and still living at home.
Call today and make a reservation for this Lowe Center event (269) 445-8110. The Lowe Center is located at 60525 Decatur Road and Hwy. 60.
The program is called “Creating Confident Caregivers” and is supported in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging through its Alzheimer’s disease Supportive Service Program (#90AE0322), the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging.