GALLIPOLIS — Alzheimer’s disease poses many questions for caregivers and families. An upcoming program at Holzer Medical Center Gallipolis will answer many of those questions.

“What Families Need to Know When the Diagnosis is Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia” is an education series for family, friends and caregivers. Caring for someone with memory loss is perhaps one of the biggest commitments a person can face. Learning more today can help you to prepare for the future, meet the challenges of giving care and identify various available community services that may be helpful. This is a special opportunity for families to learn about dementia, discuss caregiving challenges and ask questions in an informal setting.

Melissa Dever, BSW, LSW will present the nature and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as understanding changes in communication and behavior at the first session. In addition, Dever will present the legal and financial planning at the second session. Dever resides in Vinton County and is the Southeastern Ohio Branch Program Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter. She has been working with the geriatric population and their families for over fifteen years.

This program will provide a better understanding of behavior and personality changes, ways to improve communication and strategies for coping with the daily challenges of caring for an individual with memory impairment. Participants of this free two-part family education series will receive important information on care options, available community services and legal and financial planning.

The program will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Monday, September 24 and Monday, October 1 in the ground floor conference center at Holzer Medical Center, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis. The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.

Goals for the participants include:

• Developing a better understanding of medical aspects of dementia

• Receiving important information related to legal and financial planning

• Obtaining strategies for coping with daily challenges of caring for an individual with memory impairment

• Identifying various available community services that may be helpful now and in the future

Now is the time to develop a support network that includes family, friends, and the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Greater Cincinnati Chapter Southeastern Ohio branch office serves Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Scioto and Vinton counties. Clinical staff of nurses and social workers are available to assist families during the major transition periods and with planning for important future care needs. Free programs and services include Family Care Consultations, Family Support Groups and a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) that offers information, community referrals and supportive counseling.

For more information on the program or Alzheimer’s Association services available to families, contact Melissa Dever, LSW, Southeastern Ohio Branch Manager at (740) 710-1821, or the main Cincinnati office at (800) 272-3900.