Kerri Sutherland knows what it's like to have to care for a loved one suffering from dementia.
"When my mother died suddenly, I had to move from Toronto to North Vancouver to take care of my father," she said. "He had not been diagnosed yet with dementia, and the local GP said he was just old and forgetful."
But Sutherland said she knew better.
"I knew it was more than just being old and forgetful," she said. "And within two months I had him diagnosed with dementia."
Sutherland said there were many challenges she faced while caring for her father.
"He was an 'elopement risk,' which meant he was a wanderer. He would get up in the middle of the night and wander."
At the time, there was little information or education easily available about dementia, so Sutherland joined a support group to help her through the difficult challenges.
Now, as regional support and education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C, Sutherland is bringing a four-week intensive course to the Squamish Senior Centre beginning Saturday (Sept. 18) designed for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
"Dementia is not a disease," she said. "That is the number one question we get. Dementia is the signs and symptoms that the brain is malfunctioning. You can have dementia without having Alzheimer's, but you can't have Alzheimer's without having dementia."
The education series runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, on Sept. 18 and 25, and Oct. 2 and 16.
"It's a how-to course on dealing with dementia," she said. "Each session has video, role playing and practical information for dealing with challenging behaviours."
Sutherland said dementia represented a "huge learning curve," especially for adult children.
"They have to learn to cross the line and become the parent," she said. "The sessions focus a lot on communication. The reality is we need to go into their reality, not try to bring them into ours."
The course also deals with caregivers' own health.
"We talk about support you can get in the community," she said.
"You can't do it all on your own. You really have to look after yourself as a caregiver. You can't care for someone if you're sleep deprived."
Sutherland said it is a hard look at caring for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
"I really tell it like it is," she said.
"It may be shocking as some people have maybe not thought about things like 'What would happen if they died - who would care for the person with dementia in that case?' So we talk about legal stuff, wills and advocacy as well."
The series begins Saturday (Sept. 18) at the Squamish Seniors Centre and seats are limited so pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Call 1-866-984-8348, or email [email protected] to register.
"I'll probably bring extra materials for people who come late," she said. "However it would be a good idea for people to arrive early to the first session if they haven't yet registered.
"This will be an intensive course, so attendance at all the sessions is important."
Admittance is by donation.
