To continue serving Floridians impacted by Alzheimer’s disease throughout the duration of the coronavirus crisis, the Alzheimer’s Association has announced the adaptation of its Brain Bus and “Caregiver College” programming for virtual attendance.
“We are so excited to announce that our Brain Bus and ‘Caregiver College’ programming will now be available online,” said Angela McAuley, regional leader for the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida. “These programs, available weekly in both Spanish and English, will offer virtual attendees important information about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from the comfort of their own homes.”
The organization’s announcement comes on the heels of a statewide “stay-at-home” order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
“For the 580,000 Floridians living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, COVID-19 poses unique challenges,” McAuley added. “Social distancing, for instance, can be impossible for those who need round-the-clock care. That’s why it is imperative that we continue to offer guidance and support for all those impacted by Alzheimer’s throughout this difficult period.”
Featuring three different courses, the Alzheimer’s Association’s virtual “Caregiver College” series will offer attendees helpful information and resources for building their caregiver toolkits. Topics covered will include “Legal and Financial Planning,” “Effective Communication Strategies,” and “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior.” The Virtual Brain Bus sessions, meanwhile, will explore the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” “Healthy Living for the Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research,” and “Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia.”
“Caregiver College” classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. EDT. Likewise, the Virtual Brain Bus sessions will be held at the same times, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Although the programs are free to attend, registration is requested. To register, visit www.alz.org/crf or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
