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Education, Training, and Support Programs for Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

Part of the book series: Caregiving: Research • Practice • Policy ((CARE))

Abstract

Although the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is unique to the individual, its effects extend to every family member. The course of its journey is especially challenging because there is no single linear continuum of support over the course of care. And, there is no recipe book of care. Alzheimer’s families seek information at different points in their caregiving careers or at different points in their family member’s disease trajectory. Despite recognized diversity and the need to customize family support and education, most Alzheimer’s families must ultimately identify and negotiate complex decisions, provide strenuous, intimate physical care, and learn to manage strong emotions, anxiety, ambiguity, and uncertainty. How this translates to practice is that education, training, and support programs must be continuously available, offered through a variety of mediums, and accessible from familiar and trusted local sources.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. American Association of Caregiving Youth, 1515 North Federal Highway #214, Boca Raton, FL, 33432, USA

    Connie Siskowski RN, PhD

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Family Support Program, Duke University, 3600, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Lisa Gwyther MSW, LCSW

Authors
  1. Connie Siskowski RN, PhD
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  2. Lisa Gwyther MSW, LCSW
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Connie Siskowski RN, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept. Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, Pennsylvania, USA

    Steven H. Zarit

  2. Western Kentucky University, College Heights Boulevard 1906, Bowling Green, 42101, Kentucky, USA

    Ronda C. Talley

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Siskowski, C., Gwyther, L. (2013). Education, Training, and Support Programs for Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. In: Zarit, S., Talley, R. (eds) Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. Caregiving: Research • Practice • Policy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5335-2_3

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