Program to address needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers

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May 17, 2010

Anonymous CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Mon May 17, 2010, 09:18 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD —

The Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter is hosting a seminar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Doss Heritage and Culter Center.

Howard Gruetzner, M.Ed, LPC will present “Prescription for Healthy Caregiving,” a program especially for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

“Families are the heart and soul of caregiving for the 5.3 million people in our country (340,000 Texans) with Alzheimer’s disease,” Gruetzner said.

Alzheimer’s disease gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.

“While available medical interventions may provide temporary, symptomatic relief, drugs currently on the market do not arrest the underlying progression of the disease,” Gruetzner said. “Those who have Alzheimer’s become more and more dependent of their families to provide care.”

According to the national Alzheimer’s Association, in 2009, almost 11 million family members, friends and neighbors provided unpaid care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias in our country.

“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is often extremely stressful, especially as the disease progresses and caregiving demands escalate,” Gruetzner said. “Caregivers frequently become isolated, over-burdened and depressed.”

Those who find themselves in the role of caregiver do not always know how to manage the challenges and relieve the stress they face. “Prescription for Healthy Caregiving” will help participants identify stressors and provide strategies to cope and better manage health. Gruetzner will discuss the balancing act of the caregiver as spouse, parent, professional or adult child.

Gruetzner has worked in the field of mental health with an emphasis in dementia and geriatric issues for more than 25 years. He is the author of “Alzheimer’s, A Caregiver’s Guide and Sourcebook” now in its third edition. Gruetzner currently serves as the Education and Family Care Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter. He counsels individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their family members and other caregivers.

While there is no charge for the seminar and lunch is included, donations will be accepted by the Alzheimer’s Association, which relies on charitable support to provide its programs and services. The reservation deadline is Thursday, May 27. To make reservations, call 817-336-4949 or 1-800-272-3900. On-site reservation will be available if space allows.

The Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter offers ongoing services in Parker County including support groups, case management and education programs.

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. To learn more, visit www.alz.org/northcentraltexas.

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Program to address needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers

The Komen Foundation recently cut ties (before announcing they would reinstate them) with Planned Parenthood and stopped funding breast cancer screenings — was that a good thing?

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