ELKINS, W.Va. – According to a quote in ‘An Overview of Dementia: The Growing Crisis in West Virginia,’ the Alzheimer’s Association said that dementia places a heavy burden on society and families, adding that more than 40 percent of caregivers rate the stress of caregiving as high or very high – approximately one-third of caregivers suffer from depression.

Davis Medical Center is helping caregivers by offering a ‘Dealing with Dementia Workshop’. This training is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17, at the DMC cafeteria overflow, located on Gorman Avenue in Elkins.

Caregivers attending the four-hour workshop will learn about understanding dementia, managing problem behaviors, handling stress and finding time for themselves, and will receive a copy of the new “Dealing with Dementia Guide,” which provides more than 300 pages of information and solutions to problems faced by caregivers every day.

In 2016, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving developed the Dealing with Dementia guide which offers tips, strategies, and best practices.   

A local family caregiver said she wishes the workshop had been available in her time of need.

“I wish this guide and training had been available when I was caring for my mother with vascular dementia. Following the suggestions in this guide book will make a BIG difference for the caregiver and the person receiving care,” they said.

Pre-registration is required and seating will be limited to 20 individuals. To reserve a spot call Kim Haher, NICHE Coordinator at 304-704-9065 by April 10.  Caregivers won’t want to  miss this important opportunity.

DMC’s Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) is a program designed to improve care for our ever growing 65 and older population and their families.  DMC’s program was designated “Senior Friendly” by the International NICHE Organization which validates DMC’s commitment to excellence in the care of seniors with different and unique needs. Senior Friendly status – the second highest NICHE program level – was assigned following a rigorous self-evaluation of the current state and future goals of the DMC NICHE program. DMC is the first and only hospital in West Virginia to have achieved the Senior Friendly NICHE designation.

Located in Americus, Georgia, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is a division of Georgia Southwestern State University. The RCI was established in 1987 in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a GSW alumna who serves as president of the Institute’s Board of Advisors. RCI establishes local, state, national, and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term, home and community-based services. It advocates for evidence-based research to address the strain and burdens associated with family, volunteer, and professional caregiving.

For additional information about the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, visit www.rosalynncarter.org.