Community Partner Spotlight: Alzheimer’s Association Offers Educational and Social Programs as well as Support for Caregivers

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter has a variety of educational and social programs available for the general public and for families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as support services for caregivers.

Educational programs for the general public include. “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body,” which offers information from the latest research to help plan for healthy aging. “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” explains the basics about dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association that can help. “Legal & Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease” offers tips on how to put legal and financial plans in place as one gets older.

Virtual Social Programs

In addition, the Hudson Valley Chapter offers a variety of virtual social programs for people with dementia and their loved ones. These include:

• ALZ Across New York: An ongoing series of virtual trips to various destinations around the state.
• AlzWell Social Club: An ongoing series featuring creative interactive activities and support sessions
• Memory Cafes: Virtual social activities for people with early-stage dementia and their family caregivers involving musical entertainment, meditation and more.
• Something for ALZ: A series of online interactive sessions to include art, music, movement and other creative activities. A special Summer Vacation series in August will feature musical performances.

For specific dates and times when these and other programs are being offered, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley. You can also register and search for live educational and social programs by zip code at alz.org/crf.

Educational programs: Pre-recorded educational programs are available anytime at: alz.org/help-support/resources/care-training-resources.

To register: You can also register for programs or obtain more information by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.

Caregiver Resources

The Alzheimer’s Association offers care consultations, which are meetings with on-staff licensed social workers who can help families living with dementia access community resources, get advice on care, future planning and more. Call 800.272.3900 to schedule an appointment. Support Groups are scheduled regularly around the Hudson Valley and being held virtually and by phone during the pandemic. Visit alz.org/hudsonvalley for a list of times and dates when they are offered. Time Away grants are also available to provide respite care so caregivers can have some time for self-care. Call 800.272.3900 for more information.

For information about caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit COVID-19, Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.