AMHERST, N.Y. — If you or someone you love is impacted by Alzheimer's, there are free support classes being offered this month that you can sign-up for.
Wednesday afternoon, 2 On Your Side spoke with a member of the Alzheimer's Association about how the classes can help Western New York families.
"There's a lot of emotions that come up after a diagnosis and a lot that runs through people's minds, so we're really the first, we like to be the first stop to go over, you know, being proactive in next steps so that a person can feel comfortable to move forward and live the best possible life," said Amara May, Director of Program Outreach, Alzheimer's Association.
Support for people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's is out there and it's free. Amara May is the Director of Program Outreach at the Alzheimer's Association here in Western New York. She says the Living with Dementia and Alzheimer's series in January will cover a lot of topics.
"In these classes, it's a three-part session. Topics can include anything from coping with a new diagnosis, to communication techniques, they'll also go over just general disease information, as well as legal and financial discussions, and then how to live a fulfilling life after a diagnosis," said Amara May.
They will also cover safety and additional support and resources that are out there.
"With the program, obviously, there's a lot of education elements talking about the actual disease and diagnosis, but one of the things that I think is the most important is that there's this peer-to-peer element. So this class and this series is offered to both the caregivers of the person with the disease, as well as the person living with the disease, so there's this opportunity to meet other people that are going through a similar situation as yourself both as the person who is going, to the caregiver and the person living with the disease and to find comfort in knowing that there's other people they can talk to, they can relate to, they can share experiences with, it's this element that I think as much as the education is important, but just finding people to relate to and get to know and talk with is just as important," said Amara May.
Anyone diagnosed with early stage memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, or early stage dementia, and their loved ones can sign-up. The classes will be at the offices of the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at 6400 Sheridan Drive in Amherst.
"The class is held in-person at our office in Western New York, but it is also being offered virtually, so if someone is unable to physically get to the office, they can join us online," said Amara May.
The classes start on January 11. Pre-registration is required by calling 716-626-0600 extension 313. You can also call 1-800-272-3900 anytime for more information about Alzheimer's.