Caring for with Those with Alzheimer S Disease

Giving In-Home Care

To Those With

Alzheimer’s Disease

OHCE Leader Lesson

Prepared By:

Jan Johnston, Ph.D.

Gerontology State Specialist

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Oklahoma State University

July 2009

LEADER LESSON GUIDE:

Introduction:

There are approximately 70,000 persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia living in Oklahoma currently. By the year 2030 that number is expected to total 96,000 Oklahomans. However, medical science is hard at work to understand ways to prevent these increasing numbers. Alzheimer’s Disease changes the lives of not only those with the diagnosis, but also to families who give care to that person. That is why Alzheimer’s is often called the “family disease.” Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s at home can be difficult and challenging in many ways. As the disease progresses, there are new demands made on the caregiver. Therefore it is important to know what to expect of the disease; ways to insure safe caregiving; and tips to prevent caregiver burnout.

This lesson provides important information to caregivers to empower them to be more effective caregivers and provide the home best care possible. It is essential that caregivers establish an emotional support network from initial diagnosis through progression; seek out community and state services for the family and the person with Alzheimer’s; and recognize caregivers’ needs.

Lesson Objectives

Participants will gain knowledge of:

Basic Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease
Home Safety for Alzheimer’s Caregiving in the Home
Effective Caregiving Tips
Support Services and Resources

Lesson Materials

Teacher’s Guide

PowerPoint Slides

Lesson Evaluation

Title: Giving In-Home Care to Those With Alzheimer’s Disease

Participant Handouts & Other Resources

There are now available a variety of free color brochures, factsheets and reports with accurate information on the topic. However they must be ordered and given time to arrive. There are some handouts available in black and white, but ideally lessons should use these very attractive and informational brochures.

For Further Assistance;

Contact your County FCS Extension Educator or Jan Johnston, OCES Gerontology State Specialist @405-744-6581,

To receive the PowerPoint slides or other documents on CD or via email, contact Jeri Robertson at 405-744-6231 or

Hints for Lesson Preparation

Before the meeting

The full lesson is designed for approximately one hour if done in its entirety, allowing for group discussion. However, there are 3 parts: Alzheimer’s Disease Overview; Home Safety for Those with Alzheimer’s; and How to be an Effective Caregiver running about 15 -20 minutes each.

The entire lesson or three mini-lessons can also be supplmented by other reading, video resources, futher study or activities and discussions relevant to your community.

There are a wealth of informational and instructional color brochures and booklets available through resources listed. Well in advance, request a number of each desired title booklet be mailed to you, as a representative of OHCE. Most of these materials are free and are mailed free to you.

Also be aware there are many websites with incorrect information. The resources listed in this lesson are chosen because of the trusted accuracy of information. Be prepared to warn participants that some websites may be misleading and give wrong information.

How might you tailor your lesson to appeal to a wide range of audiences? Audiences might range from those who desire a basic background of the disease to active in-home caregivers.

Presentation Preparation

Read over and familiarize yourself with the Teaching Guide. Ask questions if need be before hand. Insure all equipment you’ll need is available and ready. Make copies of appropriate handouts for eachmember. Make sure the appropriate brochures have been ordered in advance. As your supply grows lower, you may want to re-order.

Consider inviting someone that works with those individuals and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Tailoring a discussion with a panel of in-home caregivers can also be a powerful way to introduce the topic of in-home caregiving. Consider the needs of your group.

During the meeting

The often sensitive nature of presenting information about Alzheimer’s can bring up a variety of emotions during discussion. Be aware of your group and who might be dealing with some difficult issues around the topic. Use appropriate empathy and scan your audience for those who may be experiencing discomfort , sadness or anger. While these are all valid emotions, respect the abilities of group members to participate in the lesson to their level of comfort.

Allow discussion time and ask questions that help participants reflect on their own situations. Some questions have been suggested on slide presentation, but feel free to allow participants to ask questions that can become a basis for other questions. Questions that require special expertise – such as medical or legal - should be deferred to the experts.

After the meeting

Complete and submit lesson evaluation feedback. Follow up on group activities or projects. Determine need for more info on the subject.