Staff Report
The Alzheimer’s Association and Lompoc Valley Medical Center are offering a program called Effective Communication Strategies caregivers of dementia patients on from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
The course will be held at the Lompoc Valley Medical Center, 1515 E. Ocean Ave. in Lompoc
Call 800-272-3900 to register in advance. Seating is limited.
People living with dementia often experience changes in behavior that can be confusing to friends and family. For caregivers, learning to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language can help both parties to connect and communicate in meaningful ways.
Effective Communication Strategies explores how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s disease. Organizers say that by the end of the program, attendees will be able to:
– Explain the communication changes that take place throughout the course of the disease.
– Decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and respond in ways that are helpful to the person.
– Identify strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
The session includes video interviews with professionals who explain critical aspects of communication throughout the Alzheimer’s journey, and caregivers who share tips that have worked for their families.
Through its national network of chapters, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer’s-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long term care providers.
To find out about other dates and locations for local classes, call 805-636-6432.
