Trending
The Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) has announced two upcoming events in September designed to provide education, resources and relaxation for non-professional family caregivers across the region.
The first initiative is the Dementia Caregiving Series, a three-part online program designed for family caregivers of people with dementia. The one-hour online sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Sept. 15, 22 and 29 from 11 a.m. to noon Eastern time via Zoom.
During the three online sessions, participants will learn basic information about dementia and its impact on brain function, how to communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia, and how to recognize the stages of dementia. The curriculum also covers how to provide meaningful daily activities based on the interests and abilities of the person, how to better understand and address dementia-related behaviors, and strategies and benefits of self-care.
There is no charge for the dementia series, but registration ends on Sept. 4, or when the class is full. Participants must have an email address and a device with an internet connection to attend.
Later in the month, UPCAP will host a daylong Caregiver Retreat on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. The event takes place at Fortune Lake Camp, located at 138 Fortune Lake Camp Road, Crystal Falls, MI.
The retreat is designed to provide rest and rejuvenation for non-professional family caregivers from the Upper Peninsula, allowing them to relax and share experiences with others in similar circumstances. According to Harvard Health.edu, “Taking a break can help you restore a sense of who you are, and allow you to bring your ‘best self’ back to your role as a caregiver."
The day will include structured activities such as a nature hike, an art project, yoga, a caregiver support group meeting, a cooking and nutrition class, and time at the waterfront. Participants can also receive a chair massage from a professional massage therapist. Activities will be led by registered dietitian and certified yoga instructor Pam Roose from Inspiring Roots, assisted by Della Juliano, a health and caregiver educator from UPCAP.
The cost for the Caregiver Retreat is $30, which is non-refundable and includes lunch and the chair massage. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is Sept. 11.
For both events, residents can register online by visiting www.upcap.org and clicking on the “events” tab. Those needing assistance can also dial 2-1-1 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.