An innovative educational program will provide Ladysmith caregivers who deal with dementia the opportunity to explore the loss and grief issues associated with the illness.

“There is relatively little information about grief, or how to address it, associated with progressive cognitive decline or dementia,” explains project leader Dr. Penny MacCourt, from the Centre on Aging at University of Victoria.

“Unattended caregiver grief can compound other stressors and increase caregiver distress and negative health consequences.”

The new Coping with Transitions program will connect Ladysmith caregivers with a skilled registered coach with extensive knowledge and experience in counselling caregivers of people with a dementia.

Coaching is being offered individually by phone, and in telephone and on-line groups. This means that caregivers do not need to leave home or travel winter roads. Evening or weekend coaching is available, to accommodate people who work during the day.

“The group formats allow participants to share experiences and to learn from each other,” says Dr. MacCourt. “Individual tele-coaching has the advantages of caregivers being able to arrange a time that suits them and do not pay phone charges.”

Interested Ladysmith residents must pre-register for the program by contacting Dr. MacCourt toll-free at 1-877-244-0419. She will explain the research project, answer any questions, and provide assessment forms that are required before the first meeting.

While in the program participants will explore the loss and grief issues of the caregiving experience.

“The dementia journey requires ongoing adjustment to many changes over a long period of time that result in feelings of loss,” says Dr. MacCourt.

“You are witnessing the progression of your family member’s dementia. The progression results in many changes: in your relationship, in shared activities, in roles and responsibilities, in dreams and plans for the future, and in living circumstances, to name just a few.”

The goal of Coping with Transitions is to identify tools and strategies for weathering the losses, and provide a greater number of options for caregivers to better meet their needs.

“We will be evaluating how helpful this educational program is to caregivers.

“Increased access to support will benefit them and may delay the need for placement for their family members with dementia.”

The program is funded by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and supported by Vancouver Island Health Authority and the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

— Submitted