Dover, Ohio - The Greater East Ohio Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Dover Public Library to host a free program for the caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Alzheimer’s Association Program Coordinator Amy Woodland says they will be offering a three-hour caregiver education program this Friday, March 22nd, from 9 am to noon at the library. She says the purpose of this session is to share information to help participants better care for their loved ones - and themselves.

“We’re going to start by reviewing the different stages of dementia, what does that mean. We’ll transition into things like effective communication strategies for people who are taking care of their loved ones,” she says. “Lastly, which I think is really important, we’re going to be emphasizing what our caregivers need to be doing to ensure that they are in good health, that they are also taking good care of themselves.”

Woodland says this session will also be an opportunity to connect with other caregivers for advice and support.

“We’ll be relying on each other in the room because my experience might be different from your experience might be different from your neighbor’s experience and collectively when we are able to kind of have a bigger conversation, we’re all much better off for it,” she says.

The program is free to attend and refreshments will be provided, but registration is required. To register, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/eastohio.