© 2024 WXPR
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Growing Alzheimer's Caregiver Need Focus Of Conference

Alzheimer's Association

More than 110,000 people in Wisconsin are living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and more than 194,000 people care for loved ones with the disease. Those numbers are a backdrop for an upcoming caregiver meeting in Rhinelander.

Outreach Specialist for the Greater Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Julie St. Pierre,  says the 20th annual Fall Caregiver Conference is set for November 7 at the Northwoods Banquet Center... 

"...The caregiver conference we do here in Rhinelander is geared towards families affected by Alzheimer's.....It is also appropriate for professionals who work in the field taking care of people who have Alzheimer's, whether they work for a home care agency, work in assisted living or work in skilled nursing...."

St. Pierre says the long term goal is to provide continuing education for skilled professionals caring for people with Alzheimer's but also for family members providing care for loved ones. St. Pierre says the changes that occur for people with Alzheimer's creates a challenge for caregivers...

"When they have support and education,it decreases their own stress level because they're better prepared for the changes that are coming and their better prepared to take care of that person that has the disease. Their own stress level will go down as a result of that education...."

St. Pierre says with the wave of Baby Boomers in or entering the highest risk area for Alzheimer's Disease, they expect the incidence of Alzheimer's to increase significantly in the next few years.

To register for the conference or more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association office in Rhinelander(715-362-7779) or go online to the Greater Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Up North Updates
* indicates required
Related Content