The challenges of being a family caregiver were first given national awareness in the mid 1990\u2019s by former first Lady Nancy Reagan.\u00a0 It was at that time when former President Ronald Reagan made his now infamous weekly radio address to share his diagnosis in 1994.\u00a0 He said, \u201cUnfortunately as Alzheimer\u2019s disease progresses, the family bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Sherri Snelling, contributor with Next Avenue<\/a> Magazine says \u2013 \u201cAnd so she did.\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Reagan was the trailblazer for what many of us have come to experience ourselves.\u00a0 In a recent article<\/a> at FORBES.com, Ms. Snelling mentions that Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a progressive, fatal brain disorder that damages and ultimately destroys brain cells and today affects more than 5 million Americans.\u00a0 While most of know these numbers are staggering, what we don\u2019t always know, is what to do when it happens to someone we love!<\/p>\n The UAMS Schmieding Home Caregiver training program has stepped up to this challenge by providing FREE family caregiver workshops. These workshops are focused on assisting the family member who needs encouragement and support while learning basic skills to deal and care for their loved one.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s learning how to bathe them, using assistive devices or simply learning how to cope with the many challenges of the disease process, we are here to help.<\/p>\n Two different workshops are offered at various times throughout the year.\u00a0 One is on the basic caregiver skills such as hands on demonstration of assistive devices, learning how to transfer from chair to wheelchair or practical skills for skin care and nutrition. The second is focused specifically for Alzheimer\u2019s Care.\u00a0 Communication techniques, understanding behaviors and safety measures are just a few of the topics covered in the latter program.<\/p>\n The Reagan\u2019s both left a legacy that will benefit so many.\u00a0 The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, an affiliate of the National Alzheimer\u2019s Association was created by them in 1995.\u00a0 Its goal is to accelerate research to find a cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Let us also continue to honor Nancy Reagan by remembering her wish \u2013 \u201cthat as a nation we do not rest until we find a cure for Alzheimer\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Call our office at 870-207-7600 to learn more about these Family Caregiver Workshops or to find out when they are offered in your area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The challenges of being a family caregiver were first given national awareness in the mid 1990\u2019s by former first Lady Nancy Reagan.\u00a0 It was at that time when former President Ronald Reagan made his now infamous weekly radio address to share his diagnosis in 1994.\u00a0 He said, \u201cUnfortunately as Alzheimer\u2019s disease progresses, the family bears…<\/p>\n