Connections   Helps family caregivers answer the question— ”What can we do at home all day?”   An 8 week in-home training program that supports caregiving families.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. Almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Adult Day programs, while an excellent option, are not always available and are not for everyone. Caregivers need support.  Persons with Alzheimer's or dementia need to be engaged in life.	THE GOAL OF CONNECTIONS is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer's and family caregivers. Connections teaches family caregivers ways to get their family member involved in interesting activities in the home, lessens stress for the caregiver and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care. Connections is free to all residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock Counties. A person is eligible to participate no matter what the level of dementia or Alzheimer's.  No formal Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis is required.	IN-HOME TRAINING Week 1:  Assessment of level of dementia, strengths & interests Week 2:  Identify potential activities and how to set up an activity station Week 3:  Training--engaging in the activities Weeks 4 - 7:  Continued support and training for the caregiver and family member Week 8:  Assessment, planning next steps As part of the program each family will receive a copy of the Connections Toolkit to help with current activities and develop new ones as needed.
For more information call RRCSB/AAA at 825-3100, ext. 3476 and ask about the Connections program or visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page. The Connections program is being conducted in partnership with Aging Together, Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board and Area Agency on Aging, and the Alzheimer’s Association Central & Western Virginia Chapter, and Virginia Department for the Aging.