Nassau County Council on Aging Partners with Rosalyn Carter Institute for Family Caregiving Workshop

Nassau County Council on Aging
Press Release
July 22, 2021

Learn Hands-On Strategies for Dealing with Dementia Behaviors
Family caregivers are the backbone of community-based services providing more than $450 billion in unpaid services across the nation. They provide over 90% of the care received by people with dementia and other long-term illnesses; 30% of caregivers pass away before their loved one.

In support of our local family caregivers of people with dementia, Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) is offering a workshop developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI). The “Dealing with Dementia Workshop” provides proven tips and strategies for caregivers on best practices for caring for their loved ones and themselves. The workshop is scheduled for Friday, August 20, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way in Fernandina Beach. Cost is $40 for the new Dealing with Dementia Guide. Register to attend here – https://conta.cc/3y0gcGj. Questions? Contact Emily Kunzelmann, ekunzelmann@nassaucountycoa.org or 904-775-5472.

Created in 1987 to pioneer the work in the field of family and professional caregiving across the lifespan, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter became aware of the challenges of caregiving when she was a child. Her father had leukemia and died when she was 9 years old. Soon after, her grandmother died, and her grandfather moved in with her family for the remainder of his life.

“We are extremely proud to present this special workshop for caregivers…those who provide 24/7 care for their loved ones,” said Janice Ancrum, President & CEO, NCCOA. “Partnering with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers is especially meaningful. As the former First Lady experienced, I am currently my father’s primary caregiver. Mrs. Carter says, ‘Caregiving is hard, even on the good days when it brings joy and fulfillment. It requires dedication, determination and time.’ I certainly agree and strongly encourage caregivers or caregivers-to-be to attend.”

“Most family caregivers assume the care of a loved one without access to needed training and education,” said Gayle Alston, Director of the RCI Training Center for Excellence. “Caregiving for a loved one is a rewarding and loving experience. However, due to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving and the struggles specific to dementia care, caregivers often suffer high levels of stress and depression. The goal for the Dealing with Dementia Caregiver Workshop is for Alzheimer’s and dementia family caregivers to gain a better understanding of dementia, utilize strategies to effectively manage dementia behaviors, and develop habits of stress management and self-care.

Caregivers who attend the four-hour workshop will receive a copy of the new Dealing with Dementia Guide. This guide provides 300+ pages of information and solutions to problems caregivers face every day. If you are a caregiver or know someone who is caring for a loved one with dementia, don’t miss this important workshop.

About Nassau County Council on Aging
Founded in 1974 by local citizens, Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of older adults through services and compassionate care designed to improve the health, independence and economic security of Nassau County seniors and their families. NCCOA’s Adult Day HealthCare program is located in Fernandina Beach. For additional information, visit www.nassaucountycoa.org.

About Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
Located in Americus, GA, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving is a division of Georgia Southwestern State University. The RCI was established in 1987 in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a GSW alumna who serves as president of the Institute’s Board of Advisors. RCI establishes local, state, national and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term, home- and community-based services. It advocates for evidence-based research to address the strain and burdens associated with family, volunteer and professional caregiving. For additional information, visit www.rosalynncarter.org.