The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter offers the following free classes to caregivers and families facing Alzheimer’s.
Communications and Behaviors presented by Barbara Michels. February 1. Choose from 2 time slots: 1:00pm to 2:30pm OR 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Located at the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter office, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. For more information, contact Chris McCaffrey at 505-266-4473 or [email protected].
Introduction to Support Group, presented by Barbara Michels, will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 from 1:00pm-2:30pm; and will be hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter located at 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. All interested community members are invited to attend. This presentation will explore the importance of support groups for families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s. Support groups can provide a sense of connection and peace of mind by providing an opportunity to share common experiences in a safe environment. For more information, please contact Chris McCaffrey at (505) 266-4473 or [email protected].
Choosing Wisely: 10 Things Every Caregiver & Provider Should Know – Part II will be presented by Janice Knoefel, MD, Clinical Director, UNM Memory and Aging Center. Using studies compiled by the American Geriatrics Society, this session addresses some of the commonly held beliefs about best practices in dementia care. You might be surprised to learn some of their recommendations. Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 12:00pm noon – 1:00pm at the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter located at 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for details at (505) 266-4473 or [email protected].
Savvy Caregiver Program. Every Wednesday beginning February 15 to March 29 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. This course helps to improve daily life as a dementia caregiver, understand the disease characteristic and progression, learn best practices and who you can turn to for respite and other assistance. Location: Senior Health Center, 1101 Medical Arts Avenue NE, Building 4 Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87102. To register call Candace at 575-647-3868 or [email protected].
The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease is a FREE presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter and will be held on Wednesday, February 15th, from 1:30pm – 2:30pm. The event will be hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Office, 125 N. Main St. Ste 103-104, Las Cruces, NM, 88001.To register or for more information please contact Steven Montaño at 575.647.3868, or at [email protected].
This class is designed primarily as an introduction for non-professional or family caregivers who are seeking a basic knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and an overview of support resources that are available in their area; so that they might better understand how to care for their loved-one or care-recipient. It will give the caregiver information about the core programs provided by the New Mexico chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, descriptions of the other educational classes that it provides statewide, all free of charge.
Savvy Caregiver Program course will be held each Wednesday from February 8th through March 22, 2017, taught by Tina De La Luz, held once per week at the Highland Senior Center, 131 Monroe St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Class runs two hours from 4:45 to 6:45 pm. The course is free and open to all. The evidence based training aims to teach caregivers practical techniques for interacting with loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, and for understanding and managing their behavior. It also imparts tools for long-term planning and reducing stresses common to Alzheimer’s caregivers. The course explains the signs, impacts and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. To register contact Tina de La Luz at 505-266-4473 or [email protected]
Legal Issues for Caregivers: What You Should Know will highlight early legal and financial planning for families facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The event, presented by Don Pinnock, JD, will be held February 16 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm and will be hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter located at 9500 Montgomery Blvd. Ste. 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for details at 505-266-4473 or [email protected].
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing – and growing fast. Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease – 3.3 million – are women. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds. In 2050, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds. By that same year, up to 16 million will have the disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.
The growing Alzheimer’s crisis is helping to bankrupt Medicare. In 2016, the direct costs to American society of caring for those with Alzheimer’s will total an estimated $236 billion, with just under half of the costs borne by Medicare. This cost is projected to increase to $1.1 trillion (in today’s dollars) by 2050.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 37,000 New Mexicans are suffering from Alzheimer’s. They are cared for by 106,000 unpaid caregivers, many of whom are members of their own families.
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