Objectives

Participants will:

1. Identify some of the unique challenges in caring for someone with dementia.
2. Understand behaviours associated with dementia and the impact on caregivers.
3. Discuss some of the personal experiences they have had.
4. Explore some strategies for responding to persons with dementia.

Time: 2.5 hours

Materials

• Overhead projector (if used)
• VCR and television monitor (if used)
• Transparencies
• Evaluation Form: Workshop 5
• Selected Readings:

  • Carlin, L. (February 2001). "Fractured future." CARPNews FiftyPlus, 17(1), 44-47.

  • McCann-Beranger, J. (2000). "Understanding Specific Behaviours," in A Caregiver's Guide For Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias (pp.26-36). Charlottetown, PEI: Alzheimer Society.

  • McClelland, S. (2000, January 17). "The Family: Hidden Heartbreak." MacLeans, 113(03), 22-26.

  • Patterson, C.J.S. (2000, Winter). Theme: Dementia and Dementia Care In Aging, Health and Society: News and Views, 5(2), pp 1-2. Hamilton, ON: McMaster Centre for Gerontological Studies, McMaster University.

  • Roberts, D.J. (1991). "Dealing With Stress," in Taking Care of Caregivers: For Families and Others Who Care For People With Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms Of Dementia, (pp.15-20). Palo Alto, CA: Bull Publishing Company.

  • CARP Editors. (2001, April). "Dealing With The Later Stages of Dementia."CARPNews FiftyPlus, 17(2), 60-61.

• Suggested Internet Resources

  • The Alzheimer Society. (1999). Guidelines for Care. Available from your local chapter of The Alzheimer Society. Also excerpted on The Alzheimer Society Web site at: www.alzheimer.ca/english/care/guidelines-care-intro.htm

  • Walter Lyons. (1995). Writings in Gerontology - #4: Coping and Helping with Alzheimer's Disease; ©Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1995, Cat. No. H-71-2/1-4-1984E, ISBN 0-662-12968-7. Available on Health Canada Web site at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/alzheimers/alz-eng.htm

  • Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists & Alzheimer Society of Canada. (1998). Living at home with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: A manual of resources, references and information. Ottawa, ON: CAOT Publications ACE. Available from CAOT at 1 (800) 434-2268, ext. 232 or by e-mail:publications@caot.ca Excerpt available on Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Web site at: www.otworks.com/otworks_page.asp?pageID=700