Caregiver program offered

FRYEBURG — The Fryeburg Public Library will once again host the Maine Savvy Caregiver Project beginning on Wednesday, March 2. Savvy Caregiver is a training program for caregivers of people with dementia. It is based on the notion that often family members assume the role of caregiving for which they are unprepared and untrained. It is an evidence-based program sponsored by the Office of Elder Services, Department of Health and Human Services and funded by the Administration on Aging. It provides family caregivers of people with dementia the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential for successful caregiving.

Participation in the 12-hour training that is provided in six sessions at the library from 10 a.m.-noon on March 9, 16, 23 and 30 and April 6 and 13 includes participation in a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. There is no fee for this program but space is limited and pre-registration is mandatory.

Each session will include training, exercises and discussion. Caregivers are given reading and assignments to complete. They can report back to the group on home activities that they did between sessions. Feedback is provided and strategies are developed to support successful caregiving.

Last year the program was very well received and those who attended found it provided them with skills that helped foster confidence in their role as caregivers. Since then Robin Johnson, the Assistant Librarian, has facilitated a support group that meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Weston Room. Everyone is welcome.

For anyone wishing to pre-register for the Savvy Caregivers Program please contact Kathryn Pears at kathryn.pears@alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.