Upcoming Free Workshops for Family Caregivers

Living with Alzheimer's for Caregivers: Early Stage
This two-part series provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease. The classes are presented by the Alzheimer's Association and will be held noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6 and 13, at Somerford Place Encinitas (1350 South El Camino Real, Encinitas CA 92024). Register at (800) 272-3900.

The Power of Touch
This is a free two-hour workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on January 3, February 7 and March 7 is designed to provide caregivers with essential tools for self-care and relaxation. The sessions take place at the Herrick Community Health Care Library (9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942). Learn simple techniques to manage caregiver burnout, increase relaxation and promote healing. This program includes lecture, demonstration and experiential learning. Please dress comfortably. Registration is required by calling (800) 827-4277 or www.sharp.com.

Help! I'm a Caregiver
Are you helping a loved one with socialization, finances, transportation, meals or other activities? Find out about resources for family caregivers, placement options, support groups and more. This free class also covers emotional issues about caring for a loved one. The class, led by Andrea Holmberg of the Sharp Senior Resource Center, takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 7 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital's Brier Patch Campus (9000 Wakarusa Street, Room 13/14, La Mesa CA). To register call (800) 827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com.

Addressing Behavior Through Compassionate Communication
Learn ways to imrpove communication with memory-impaired individuals from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, February 7 at the Escondido Senior Center (210 Park Avenue, Escondido CA 92025). Call the Alzheimer's Association to register at (800) 272-3900.

Planning for Future Health Care Needs
This dynamic one-hour workshop will provide participants with the tools to help identify values, goals of care and the communication skills required to select the appropriate health care agent. Led by Colleen Linnertz, LMFT, the workshop will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion (3075 Health Center Drive, San Diego CA). Registration required by calling (800) 827-4277 or visiting www.sharp.com.

Living with Alzheimer's for Caregivers: Middle Stage
This two-part series will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 14 and 28, 2013 at Silverado Senior Living Escondido (1500 Borden Road, Escondido, CA 92026. Learn practical answers to the questions that arise in the middle stage of Alzheimer's Disease. To register, contact the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

The Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
Do you have a family member or friend with dementia with Lewy Bodies or Parkinson's Disease with dementia? if so, the Southern Caregiver Resource Center, UCSD Parkinson's Disease Research Consortium and Parkinson's Association of San Diego invite you and your loved ones to a free conference. The event takes place 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, February 15 at First United Methodist Church's Linder Hall (2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego CA 92108) and includes breakfast, resource fair and free care for your loved one upon request. Keynote speaker is Dr. Jody Corey-Bloom, M.D., Ph.D, a professor of neurosciences at UCSD. To register, call (800) 827-1008.

Town Hall Forum: Making a Plan, The Smart Approach to Future Alzheimer's Care Needs
This caregiver forum presented by ActivCare will focus on how to plan for the future as Alzheimer's disease or another dementias progress. The sessions takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, at the Lake San Marcos Resort Conference Center (1121 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos CA 92078). Speakers include Drs. Neil Levine and Dan Sewell from the Glenner Memory Care Advisory Council and board member Judi Copeland of AALL CARE In-Home Services. Geriatric Care Manager Jean Alton rounds out the speaker roster. Free day care provided by the Glenner Center Encinitas with at least a week's advanced registration by calling (760) 635-1895. To register for the Town Hall Forum, call (888) MEM-LOSS or visit ActivCareLiving.com.

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters
This workshop provides attendees with information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer s Disease, the benefits of early detection, as well as tips to follow up on any concerns that attendees may have about themselves or someone they care about. Presented by Holly Probst of the Alzheimer's Association, the workshop runs 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, February 25 at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, Classroom A. Register at (800) 827-4277 or (800) 272-3900.