Project Offers Help for Dementia Caregivers
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o you live in a rural area and take care of someone with memory loss? Have recent months left you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? You are not alone. The pandemic has limited caregiver support services such as support groups and respite care that can help caregivers when they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Caregivers worry about their care partner, and sometimes forget to take care of themselves. The University of California, San Francisco is offering a free online workshop as part of a research study to help rural caregivers. The program is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The workshop provides caregivers with training on reducing stress, managing the difficult behaviors of their friend or family member with memory loss, and planning for the future. “This workshop has given lots of great suggestions for how to handle emotions better,” a recent participant said. Caregivers also get support from staff and other caregivers. “One of the most useful aspects of this workshop are the comments, suggestions and support from fellow participants,” another participant said. “Many offered insights I hadn’t even considered.”
Because it is online, the workshop is accessible to caregivers whenever they want it, day or night, and can be accessed on a computer, tablet or smartphone. “The workshop has given me assurance that I am not alone with caring for my husband,” one woman said. “It was good that I could join in on this discussion at any time day or night and that I did not have to drive anywhere. It is also easier to open up by being anonymous. “Thank you to all for your guidance, support and great suggestions,” she said. “It has helped me so much.” The Caregiver Project has concluded five rounds of workshops, and over 200 participants are enrolled from across the country. Caregivers are eligible if they live in a rural area, care for someone with memory loss, have Internet access, and provide care for at least 10 hours per week. Those who participate will be asked to complete four surveys on their caregiving experiences and receive up to $80 in cash. For information, go online to caregiverproject.ucsf.edu and complete an eligibility survey, or call toll-free 1-833-634-0603, or email caregiverproject@ucsf.edu
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