In New York, more than 400,000 people live with some form of dementia and in addition to that, there are over 1 million caregivers.

“Their needs for accessing services, support, education — that’s ongoing. It doesn’t stop just because of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Katie Keith Badeau, director of care consultations at the WNY chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. 

The Western New York chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers free virtual education, programs, and services for people with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These resources include effective communication strategies, legal and financial planning for loved ones with dementia, support groups for caregivers and meaningful activities.

“We all are facing changes to our normal routines during this outbreak and the stay home order. It’s especially challenging for caregivers and people living with dementia for whom routines can be especially important,” Badeau said. “And then complicated with someone with cognitive impairment or symptoms of confusion or memory loss. They’re more likely to find it harder to process and understand the changes happening.”

To learn more about tips for caregivers of people with dementia, click here.

Caregiver support group meetings are being offered by telephone conference calls and webinars. To learn more about taking part in a virtual support group meeting, click here.

To register for these classes, click here or call 1-800-272-3900.

Overview of Virtual Programs and Services

  • Friday, April 3 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 17 - 2:00 p.m.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

  • Tuesday, April 7 - noon
  • Tuesday, April 14 - noon
  • Tuesday, April 21 - noon
  • Tuesday, April 28 – noon
  • Wednesday, April 29 - 8:00 a.m.

Know the 10 Warning Signs

  • Friday, April 10 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 24 - 2:00 p.m.

Effective Communication Strategies 

  • Thursday, April 2 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 22 - 8:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 30 - 6:00 p.m.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors 

  • Thursday, April 9 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15 - 8:00 a.m.

Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia

  • Wednesday, April 8 - 8:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 16 – 6:00 p.m.

Dementia Conversations

  • Thursday, April 23 - 6:00 p.m.

Meaningful Activities for Family Caregivers

  • Monday, April 20 - 1:30 p.m​.