IL Pathways to Health Classes
Savvy Caregiver
The Savvy Caregiver Workshop is a six week training series for informal caregivers. For most family caregivers, caregiving itself is a new role, one for which training is needed, just as a person would receive training for any new job. The Savvy Caregiver Program helps caregivers better understand the changes their loved ones are experiencing, and how to best provide individualized care for their care recipients throughout the progression of Alzheimer's or dementia.
About the class
Savvy Caregivers is a psychoeducational program designed to equip family members and others for the caregiving role. The program was developed by the University of Minnesota and is designed for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's who continue to live at home (not in a residential care setting).
Savvy Caregivers is a 12-hour training program delivered in 2-hour weekly sessions over a 6-week period.
Participants learn how to:
- Manage daily life: Keep content and involved
- Manage behavior: Remain calm and secure
- Manage resources: Including family resources for care
- Manage their own well being: Caregiver self-care
Benefits of the class
- Increased caregiver skill
- Increased caregiver knowledge
- Increased caregiver confidence
- Better caregiver well-being
The program helps participants gain:
- A better understanding of the disease
- The skills to assess the abilities of the person with dementia
- The confidence to set and alter caregiving goals
- Strategies to manage the day-to-day care of the person with dementia, including personal care
- The skills to take better care of yourself
- Tips on how to build a positive partnership with healthcare professionals
Who should take the class
Anyone taking care of a person with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias. Must be an "informal" caregiver.
All IL Pathways to Health Classes
Prevent Falls
Take Charge - Live Well
Caregiver Support