Alzheimer’s Association offers free virtual classes

While the coronavirus pandemic has both disturbed and halted the lives of many, that doesn’t mean important programs can be put on hold. Especially for those taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York is offering a free, virtual winter education series from January-February to help all local caregivers. The multi-pronged series intends to foster a community among family caregivers, as professionals provide practical tips regarding the pandemic and the dreary winter months. 

Beth Smith-Boivin, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, said when virtual sessions launched last year in March at the inception of the pandemic, the majority of the sessions were attended by professional caregivers, while family caregivers were far and few between. But that changed with the introduction of Google Zoom, a more user-friendly program for the sessions. 

The series comes at an imperative time, with the troubles of winter stacked against the omnipresent pandemic. Smith-Boivin said the combination of isolation, the fear of driving in bad weather and shorter days makes winter the hardest time of the year for family caregivers. 

Shorter days are especially harmful, as they cause an increase in “sundowning” - an exasperation of behaviors that already exist as the sun goes down - causing more confusion, anxiety or aggression. 

“So if the person with Alzheimer's disease is anxious, and repeats questions over and over again during the day because they want to be reassured, we see that increase at sundowning,” Smith-Boivin said, “So with the programming Managing Difficult Behaviors (Jan. 26, 4 p.m.) we put in a lot of tips for sundowning.” 

The pandemic has come with its own slew of problems. As adult day centers remain closed, caregivers seek activities to keep their loved ones busy throughout the day. Masks often cause great distress for those with Alzheimer’s, while enforcing good hygiene is more important than ever. 

The series aims to remedy such obstacles. Instead of face masks, face shields are recommended, and if a mask is mandatory, a chain or string may be placed behind the head, gently holding the mask in place. To encourage washing hands thoroughly and frequently, one tip included in the COVID Tips for Caregivers class (Jan. 28, 11 a.m.) suggests pairing an activity loved ones were once used to with washing their hands, such as washing a vegetable or a piece of clothing in the process. 

“To achieve the task makes them feel purposeful and gets their hands clean,” Smith-Boiven said. 

Caregiver Debe Cole of Delaware County started attending classes in person in September 2019, when her mother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Since transitioning to virtual, Cole said the Zoom classes provide her with another connection to other caregivers. 

“The ones on the phone were good, but the virtual was nice to put a face to the voice,” Cole said.

Cole recommends taking the classes for two important reasons: To get educated and to know you are not alone as a family caregiver. Before attending a class on how to communicate during the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Cole struggled when her mother slipped into previous times of her life. Instead of arguing and trying to redirect her, Cole learned it’s best to enjoy the moment they’re in together.  

“To try to convince her, or reorient her always, wasn't going to work because she was stuck in the time she was living in, not necessarily what I wanted to bring her back to,” Cole said, “So that was very important for me not only to communicate, but to realize emotionally for me, because you’re losing a part of your parent, so you want them to still be with you like they were and to come to a realization.”

Cole absolutely recommends these classes to other family caregivers. 

“Because so many caregivers are alone out there, some of their family may not understand exactly what they’re going through because they don’t live in the home,” Cole said, “Also the caregivers really need to connect, even though they may not think they do, they need emotional and educational support too, more than they necessarily realize at the time.”

Each session is an hour long, while participants are encouraged to attend every session in the series. A technical support staff member will be available every session for one-on-one help. Registration is open until 10 a.m. on the day of the session. The series is free to all residents of New York State. 

Upcoming virtual programs in January and February include: 

Know the 10 Warning Signs: Jan. 25,  6:30 p.m.

Managing Difficult Behaviors: Jan. 26, 4 p.m.

COVID Tips for Caregivers: Jan. 28, 11 a.m.

Difficult Conversations: An Overview of Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Planning: Feb. 4, 2 p.m.

Effective Communication Strategies: Feb. 5, noon

Legal and Financial Planning: Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m.

Managing Difficult Behaviors: Feb. 12, noon

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.

Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home: Feb. 23, 10 a.m.

For a complete list of upcoming programs, or to register for a program, visit alz.org/crf or call the office at (518) 675-7214.