Education and Training

Dementia Caregiver College is an educational experience focusing on topics that provide critical information about dementia and community-based resources available to informal caregivers.

The objectives of the Dementia Caregiver College are to:

• Improve informal caregivers’ understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
• Enhance the quality of life for dementia patients and caregivers
• Provide awareness of and access to resources that can help reduce the caregiver burden
• Demonstrate strategies to manage symptoms associated with dementia

Sessions are conducted by experts in various fields including dementia research, social work, nursing, aging, arts, exercise and health education. Topics covered can include risk factors and related disorders, home safety, end of life and financial planning, nutrition, healthy aging and care for the caregiver.

Associate Director Allison Caban-Holt shares her reflections about the Dementia Caregiver College

As I was planning our first Caregiver College, I never imagined that the participants, staff, presenters, and interns would embark on such an extraordinary journey together! Our minds were expanded, and our hearts were opened to the issues of Dementia Caregivers and their families.

A Transformational Experience: Thank you Caregiver College Community Health Ambassadors

As we made our journey through the week, we engaged in many activities that increased our knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and we had fun along the way.

• We learned about AD risk factors, effective approaches to managing difficult behaviors in AD, and end of life planning issues.
• We engaged with a clinician to learn about harmful medications and ask health questions of concern.
• We had the chance to view the future of Alzheimer’s and aging research through our students who so professionally presented information to us about self-care and caregiver health.
• We enjoyed enhancing our presentation skills.
• We created art with the Opening Minds through Art program that demonstrated a failure-free activity to share with a dementia patient.
• We cooked up a healthy meal in the kitchen.
• We reviewed real research data – the pedigree of a family with Alzheimer’s disease – to view patterns of disease revealed through an AD genetics study.
• We engaged in physical activity during our sessions on African dance and drumming as well as Tai Chi.

Above and beyond all these wonderful sessions and expert presenters, the most important part of this experience was getting to share it with everyone as we held each other up and supported one another. There were many times when we could see each other’s stories and lived experiences and could understand one another’s challenges at a deep and personal level. The expressions of empathy let us all know that we are not alone in these difficult moments. Now that you have completed Caregiver College and in your role as an Alzheimer’s Caregiving Community Health Ambassador, we know that you will help many people with the knowledge you have gained.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Allison Caban-Holt
Allison.Cabanholt@advocatehealth.org
336-716-7919

Dr. Persis Ayeh
Ayeh.Persis@advocatehealth.org
336.716.7922