Hickory – ACAP Hickory (Adult Children of Aging Parents) presents “Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors” and “Project C.A.R.E.” on Tuesday, March 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory (2780 N. Center Street, Hickory).

Speakers for the program are Julie Cook-Walker, Education Specialist, Foothills Region, Alzheimer’s Association, and Karen Phoenix, Project C.A.R.E. Family Consultant, Area Agency on Aging, Western Piedmont Council of Governments.

“Mom resists taking a shower.” “All of a sudden, Dad has begun saying really inappropriate things.” “I recently found Mom outside, barefoot, in the freezing cold.” “Dad’s behavior is so erratic, it’s like he’s a completely different person these days.” When a parent (or other loved one) exhibits confusing behaviors or has been diagnosed with a form of dementia, there are lots of questions, and families need practical help with how to best respond to their loved one. The March ACAP Hickory program will help caregivers decipher behaviors and determine how best to respond to a loved one, learning a four-step process that may be applied to any unusual behavior.

In addition, attendees will learn about Project C.A.R.E., Caregivers Alternative to Running on Empty, a state funded, dementia-specific support program for those who directly care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Julie Cook-Walker and Karen Phoenix, March ACAP Hickory speakers, will help attendees become familiar with a four-step process for responding to unusual or difficult behaviors, learn about Project C.A.R.E. and how caregivers may access the program, and become aware of area resources that provide support for those diagnosed with dementia, their families and their caregivers.

We hope you will join us! To register for this FREE program, please contact us at [email protected] or, toll-free, 1-877-599-ACAP (2227).

ACAP-Hickory gratefully acknowledges Adult Life Programs and Home Instead Senior Care, sponsors for the March program.

ACAP-Hickory, the local chapter of ACAPcommunity, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, provides information, resources, support and community for adult-child caregivers as they care for their aging parents and for themselves. Cost-free educational programs are offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory (2780 North Center Street, Hickory, NC), unless otherwise noted. Although designed for adult-child caregivers, programs are open to all.

For more information about ACAP-Hickory, including the monthly program schedule and audio podcasts that address a variety of topics related to aging and family caregiving, please visit www.ACAPcommunity.org or call us 1-877-599-ACAP (1-877-599-2227).