Founders Place Respite Ministry of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church offers a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network Method course for family caregivers as part of its Care Support Program.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 55 million people worldwide suffer from some form of dementia. Susanna Whitsett, executive director of Founders Place Respite, wants to end the loneliness and isolation that often comes with the disease.

“The number is expected to rise to 78 million by 2023,” she said. “The majority are cared for at home, but once diagnosed, many caregivers do not receive adequate guidance on how to manage their loved ones’ changing needs.”

To counteract this, the ministry offers an eight-week online course for nurses to learn the DAWN method, an evidence-based nursing training course that focuses on strengths-based care.

“You can think of this course like a school for nursing,” Whitsett said.

The 16-hour program is offered on Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and begins September 11 and ends October 30. The course is led by dementia expert Judy Cornish and costs a total of $400.

“The DAWN method helps caregivers provide care more calmly, confidently and with less conflict,” says Whitsett. “This is an extremely valuable educational support option for anyone caring for a loved one with early, mid or advanced stage dementia.”

Class sizes are limited and the course is taught in small groups that close after the first session. Classes are recorded so participants can reference them at any time later.

To register for the course, contact Whitsett or Ellie Johnson, Associate Director of Founders Place, at (205)802-6218 or email [email protected].