EAST LANSING, Mich. — Community members currently caring for a loved one with dementia or memory loss can garner information, skills and attitudes to manage stress and increase effective caregiving skills by participating in the upcoming Creative Confident Caregivers program.

This free program, provided by the Tri-County Office on Aging in conjunction with East Lansing’s Active Living for Adults (ALFA) program, will be offered at ALFA’s Valley Court Community Center, 201 Hillside Court, beginning Jan. 10. The six-week program will be offered on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. Weekly two-hour sessions led by dementia-care specialists will be hosted utilizing the research-based Savvy Caregiver Program. The program will provide caregivers with helpful resources and help to increase their knowledge of dementia and its effects on the brain.

The sessions will also allow participants to practice caregiving skills and strategies that will help to manage dementia-related behaviors in a way that is less frustrating for both the caregiver and his/her loved one.

Care for family members with dementia will be provided free of charge so that caregivers may attend the weekly sessions. Those in need of this service can ask for details when they register. Registration is currently open for the program; however, space is limited. Contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at (517) 887-1440 to register or for more information.

This program is supported, in part, by the U.S. Administration on Aging through its Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program, (#90AE0322) and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.