Education | Fall 2016 Newsletter

Knowledge is Power

CaringKind’s educational programs aim to empower caregivers by making sense of their experiences with dementia. When caregivers are thrust into the world of dementia, they may feel confused or lost. However, caregivers often uncover that they hold crucial information about those they care for. Sometimes, the difficult part is making sense of information and understanding its value. Some caregivers may find themselves asking, “What is there to learn about a disease with no cure?” Lack of clarity or feelings of helplessness can make things hard. We wonder about what’s happening to the person we are caring for. What kind of information might improve the situation? Are there things I can or should be doing? After attending our free education programs, it starts to become clear.

Concentrating on facts and researched evidence can help answer tough questions. Our Understanding Dementia: What You Need to Know and Where to Go seminar is offered in English, Spanish and Chinese in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, with more locations coming soon. This meeting addresses the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s and informs caregivers about the changes they can expect as the disease progresses. Other courses offered, such as the Legal and Financial Seminar and Medicaid Home Care Seminar: A Practical Guide to the System, are led by attorneys who specialize in elder law. They cover important topics including power of attorney, guardianship, Medicaid eligibility, long-term care insurance, healthcare proxy, the Medicaid Home Care application process, and more. The meeting titled Placing Your Relative in a Nursing Home educates caregivers about the steps involved in nursing placement.
Both professionals and caregivers are encouraged to attend our Monthly Education Meetings. The topics for these meetings vary and are based on issues caregivers and professionals would like to learn more about. Recent topics include: Activities for People with Dementia, Managing Challenging Behaviors, Early Stage Issues, and Dementia and Driving. Professionals are also encouraged to ask about our Continuing Education credit courses, which are recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work.

The power that comes with knowledge can answer questions, provide direction, and improve lives. CaringKind encourages caregivers and professionals to call our 24-hour Helpline at 646-744-2900 to register for our educational offerings. Please visit our website at caringkindnyc.org/education or turn to page 34 in this issue to view our upcoming educational opportunities calendar.

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