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A community-based workshop where classes are highly participatory, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their caregiving tasks and maintain a fulfilling life.
This interactive workshop is designed for people who are family caregivers of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dementia such as Alzheimer’s, and any other conditions that affect memory.
Below you will find more details about the program. Click the button to find a workshop near you.
What topics are covered?
- Caregiver Stress
- Dealing With Difficult Care Partner Behaviors
- Getting Help
- Making Decisions About Treatment, Housing, etc.
- Communicating Effectively With Family, Friends, And Health Professionals
- Dealing With Caregiver And Care Partner Difficult Emotions
- Planning For Future Needs
- Legal Issues Related To Caregiving
- Action Planning and Problem Solving
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Who can attend ?
This interactive and participatory program is for people who are family caregivers of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dementia such as Alzheimer’s, and any other conditions that affect memory.
Does the program replace existing programs ?
The program does not replace any existing programs or treatment. In fact, the classes are designed to enhance caregiving skills for family caregivers.
What can I expect from the class ?
The Building Better Caregivers program was originally an internet-based program, developed and pilot tested within the United States Department of Veteran Affairs in California, Southern Nevada, and Hawaii for family members and informal caregivers who take care of veterans or are veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dementia, or diagnosed memory impairment. Developers of the program include Kate Lorig, Diana Laurent, Katy Plant, and health professionals from the VA system. Outcomes of the Building Better Caregivers course include lower caregiver stress and depression, as well as care partner’s health care utilization.
Details of program
Different subject matters are taught over the course of 6 weekly, 2-1/2 hour, small group workshop sessions all focused to build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their caregiving tasks and maintain a fulfilling life. The community-based program is based on the internet model. It was tested in a successful, 1-year longitudinal study at sites in California and Ohio. The study ended in 2017. The workshops are led by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are peers who are or have been family caregivers, and are held in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. Building Better Caregivers is the companion book for this program and is provided for each participant to use throughout the workshop. Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions. Participants enjoy sharing experiences and provide mutual support to each other.