Free caregivers workshop set for DeKalb families

The DeKalb County Human Services Department and DeKalb County Public Library will host a caregiver workshop entitled “You Are Not Alone: Support and Resources for Care Partners” on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6 to – 7:30 p.m. at the Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive in Decatur. The workshop is open to 45 attendees. Dinner will be provided.

The Dementia Spotlight Foundation is a supporter for the event. The month of November is nationally recognized as Family Caregivers Month.

The session will feature DeKalb resident and author, Nancy Kriseman, a  licensed clinical social worker, as the presenter and she will focus on the Mindful Caregiverand offer care partner tools and discuss self-help for care partners. Caregivers are people who provide direct support to children, seniors or anyone who is chronically ill and in need of assistance with activities of daily living which include bathing, grooming and dressing. They also provide help with shopping, housekeeping and other errands.

There are approximately 140,000 people with Alzheimer’s living in Georgia and over 8,250 people with some form of dementia living in DeKalb County. It is estimated that caregivers who are not paid to help their loved ones contribute approximately $7 billion annually for their service.

There is no fee to attend the workshop, however, registration is required. Members of the public may register online at www.dekalblibrary.orgor via telephone by calling 404-508-7190, ext. 2257.