NEK Council on Aging Hosts Classes for Living with Alzheimer's for Late-Stage  Caregivers

The last stage of Alzheimer’s disease may last from several weeks to several years. As the disease progresses, intensive, around-the-clock care is usually required. Late-stage care decisions can be some of the hardest families face.

To assist caregivers and families who are experiencing this challenge, the NEK Council on Aging in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association is offering “Living With Alzheimer’s For Late-Stage Caregivers” a free class led by Pam Smith, the Director of Client and Caregiver Team Support at the NEK Council on Aging. Smith also serves as the Community Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont chapter.

“During the late stage of Alzheimer’s, the role of caregiver focuses on preserving quality of life and dignity. Although a person in the late stage typically loses the ability to talk and express needs, research tells us that some core of the person’s self may remain,” said Smith. “This means you may be able to continue to connect throughout the late stage of the disease with your loved one.”

In the two-part program, participants will learn about resources, care, and methods to engage in meaningful connections.

“Families that have been through this process tell us that it is best to gather information and move forward, rather than second guessing decisions after the fact. There are many helpful methods to provide quality care, regardless of where the care takes place, and the goal is always to make sure the person is receiving the care they need. Participants of this class have told us that connecting and sharing stories with other people who are going through this process is extremely valuable,” said Smith.

The class will be held in two separate locations. In Newport on April 23rd from 2 – 5 p.m. at the meeting room at North Country Hospital and in St. Johnsbury on April 30th from 2 – 5 p.m. at NVRH, Conference Room #126. Registration is required. Please contact Pam Smith at (802) 751-0427 or email at psmith@nekcouncil.org.

Additional resources to support the care of people with Alzheimer’s are available in the Caregiversection of the website.