“This program has been a tremendous aid to caregivers,” said Milena Cedeno-Oblinger, Memory Disorder Coordinator at Broward Health North. “We’re encouraged to see the program’s results in reducing caregiver burnout, premature nursing home placement, and elder abuse. In addition, we’ve seen improvement in coping skills and an increased awareness of available community resources.”
The Memory Disorder Center, the first in the nation to attain Joint Commission Certification for Alzheimer’s disease, designed the CAP program to educate caregivers about the disease process. It is an outpatient diagnostic facility offering a multidisciplinary approach to determine the cause of memory impairment.
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, caregivers often struggle to balance the demands of a loved one’s care with their own physical and emotional needs. With family members living longer, more adult children are assuming the responsibilities of caring for aging parents who are unable to function independently.
Cedeno-Oblinger added: “The program is a vital tool for the caregiver who provides approximately 80 percent of the necessary care for the elderly. Daily life can present abundant sources of stress and our objective is to assist caregivers and their loved ones through these difficult times. Our goal is to promote dignity and value, and to impart knowledge to our patients as well as their caregivers and loved ones.”
During the classes, speakers discuss behavior strategies, stress management, legal issues, medications, day care, home health, placement options, and Medicaid and veterans’ benefits. Attendees meet and interact with others facing similar challenges which can reduce stress and assist in coping with the lifestyle changes that come with being a caregiver.
There are two programs offered at BHN’s Memory Disorder Center. DayCAP is a 16-hour program for spouses, siblings, other relatives and friends who are providing care for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other related dementia. NightCAP, a 12-hour program, is for adult children and working caregivers who are unable to attend the day classes.
After participating in the initial CAP course, weekly support groups are available to offer additional guidance, friendship, and understanding.
Both classes are held in the Neuro-Resource Center at Broward Health North and are open to the community. Registration is mandatory. For CAP class information and schedule, please call the Memory Disorder Center at 954.786.7392. Transportation and in-home respite are available.
Additional support groups include:
- EARLY STAGE ALZHEIMER GROUP
Second and Fourth Fridays of the month, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Location: Neuro Resource Center
For more information please call 954.786.7392
- SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE OR RELATED DEMENTIA
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Location: Neuro Resource Center
For more information call 954.786.7392
- ADULT CHILDREN OF THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE OR RELATED DEMENTIA
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Neuro Resource Center
For more information call 954.786.7392