MILL CREEK — An estimated 70,000 people in Snohomish County are family caregivers, providing for a loved one’s daily needs.
Many of those being cared for at home have Alzheimer’s disease, depression or other mental illnesses.
A free class is being offered from 9 a.m. until noon Nov. 4 at Merrill Gardens at Mill Creek to provide tips for caregivers on how to assist with a loved one’s mental disability or mental illness while maintaining their own well being.
The risk of caregivers losing their own physical or mental health are high when they’re caring for someone with mental illness or a cognitive problem, such as Alzheimer’s disease, said John Peterson, program manager for the Snohomish County Family Caregiver Support Program.
“Yes, there are coping strategies … to maintain your mental wellness,” Peterson said.
The three-hour program will include a geriatric mental health specialist, a family caregiver specialist and an Alzheimer’s educator.
The goal is to allow family caregivers to distinguish between mental health problems, physical illnesses and medication problems among older adults.
The class is being sponsored to help raise awareness among caregivers “that there’s something they can do to make life better,” Peterson said.
“The message is you’re not alone, and there is help available,” he said.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
Free class
“When Mental Health Is An Issue: A Special Program for Family Caregivers” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 4 at Merrill Gardens at Mill Creek, 14905 Bothell-Everett Highway.
The event is free but seating is limited. Registration is required prior to the event.
For more information, call 425-388-7019 or email s.novacek@snoco.org.
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