ST. GEORGE — Family caregivers are the backbone of community-based services, providing over $450 billion of all unpaid services across this nation. To support local family caregivers of people with dementia, the Five County Association of Governments Area Agency on Aging is offering a free “Dealing with Dementia” workshop developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving in both Cedar City and St. George.

The workshop, which takes place in Cedar City on Wednesday and in St. George on Jan. 24, will provide tips and strategies for caregivers on the best practices for caring for their loved ones and for themselves.

“Most family caregivers assume the care of a loved one without access to needed training and education,” said Gayle Alston, Director of RCI Training Center for Excellence. “Caregiving for a loved one is a rewarding and loving experience. However, due to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving and the struggles specific to dementia care, caregivers often suffer high levels of stress and depression.”

The goal of the workshop is to help the family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia to gain a better understanding of the disease, utilize strategies to manage dementia behaviors and learn stress management and self-care.

Caregivers who attend the four-hour workshop will receive a copy of the new “Dealing with Dementia Guide.” This guide provides over 300 pages of information and solutions to problems caregivers face every day.

Five County AOG Area Agency on Aging is dedicated to servicing seniors and their families in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties. Through the National Caregiver Support Program they provide resources and information to caregivers and community members, provide one-on-one assistance to caregivers and provide access to services such as respite and personal care. To learn more, visit the Area Agency on Aging website.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is 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, visit the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving website.

Event details

• What: Five County Association of Governments Area Agency on Aging “Dealing with Dementia” workshop
• When:
  • Cedar City: Wednesday, Jan, 9, 1-5 p.m.
  • St. George: Thursday, Jan. 24, 1-5 p.m.
• Where:
  • Cedar City: 585 North Main St., Ste 1.
  • St. George: 1070 W. 1600 South, Bldg. B
• This workshop is free. To register, call 435-637-3548

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews