Dementia is a disease that affects one’s mind, causing them to have trouble remembering in the short or long term. Sufferers may become confused as to where they are and may forget how to take care of themselves.
Caring for a loved one with dementia isn’t easy and often can become too much for a family member. Though options to help provide long-term care are out there, there are still some risks associated with them. For example, whilst Medicaid can help finance long-term care, unless steps are taken in avoiding medicaid estate recovery, the family home could be lost as a result. A different risk that families could face is that of abuse, some hired carers or caring facilities are known to abuse dementia sufferers due to their vulnerable state. Therefore it’s important for a family to know what to look for and what to avoid when trying to find long-term care.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to help with these issues and others. Those interested in learning more about the resources available for people dealing with dementia are invited to an event later this week.
A Community Professionals Training Series on Supporting People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Their Families is planned for Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. in Founders Hall on the campus of Butler County Community College.
A lecturer from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work will lead a discussion about strategies of communication for people dealing with this disease and their families as well as the risks associated with providing care or screening potential caregivers.
This class counts as credits toward continuing nursing education. Registration is available online through the website of the University of Pittsburgh Center for Social and Urban Research.