Supporting the relatives and caregivers of a person with Alzheimer’s and giving them tools to face their new family situation is key to ensure their well-being and the well-being of the person with dementia they are caring for.

Training as a tool to care the caregiver

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disrupts a family's life, transforming their routine and dynamics. Changes in a loved one's cognitive abilities pose challenges that transcend the individual, impacting all members of the family nucleus.

The news is usually received with a mixture of intense emotions and the family is faced with a new reality in which their loved one will experience significant changes in their behavior and ability to perform daily tasks; this can lead to feelings of sadness, helplessness and frustration.

This process makes it essential that family members feel accompanied and supported. Specialized support programs can offer valuable tools and resources to address the challenges posed by Alzheimer's. Not only do these programs provide information, but they also offer a safe space to share experiences, emotions and concerns.

It should also be taken into account that within the family nucleus different roles are established and that most of the care falls on the main caregiver. This primary caregiver of the family is the one who takes on a great deal of responsibility, as he/she devote much of his/her time and energy caring his/her loved one. This dedication can lead to significant physical and emotional fatigue and impact his/her overall health.

For this reason, it is crucial not only to recognise and value the work of primary caregivers, but also to provide them with specialised information and training, support groups and break moments that guarantee their well-being and promote quality care.

At Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona we have designed a training program for caregivers of people with dementia that includes more than 5 hours of free training on the disease and on the management of symptoms. This training program, which includes different modalities such as face-to-face sessions or virtual information pills, is led by the Social Work area and provides resources to caregivers with the aim of improving the coexistence and quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers.

You can request more information by contacting treballsocial@fundacioace.org

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