Alzheimer's Resource Center offers Hope Full Lives for Home Caregivers

Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connectictu
1261 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT 

Hope Full Lives is an innovative program of the Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut that has awakened hope of promising results in improving the lives of caregivers of loved ones living at home with dementia.  

“Caring for a family member with dementia is an act of love. Caregivers take on unexpected life-changing challenges that compromise their own health as they attend to the physical, emotional, medical and financial needs of a loved one with dementia”,
said Stephani Shivers, Director of Community Innovations at ARC-CT, located in Plantsville, CT. 

Evidence-based data has opened a world of new ideas in dealing with the vulnerability, social isolation, depression and feelings of hopelessness of ‘at home’ caregivers.

Through a generous grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation, specialists at Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut are now providing caregivers free education, coaching and counseling in coping with their demanding responsibilities. 

“Our hope is to better equip the caregiver with the resources, skills and information needed to live hopeful life as they partner in care and life with their love one.” Shivers said.  “We are now proactively promoting informational meetings with caregivers through church, senior and other groups throughout the Southington community.”  Interested groups may contact Shivers at 860-628-3020.

On Sunday, October 18^th, the Health Ministry of St. Dominic Parish is hosting a Hope Full Lives talk at 11:00 am at the St. Dominic Community Learning Center at Flanders Road and Laning Street in Southington. Admission is free and all are welcome.  

People living with dementia are expected to live diminished lives, but it is the loving caregivers who quickly become burdened with stress and unplanned new roles in their lives. Hope Full Lives explores ways to promote well-being for all. Free resources including classes, support groups, coaching and counselling services will be highlighted for caregivers.  

Another opportunity to hear Shivers speak on the subject will be at this month’s YMCA luncheon for its senior members on Thursday, October 22^nd at 12 noon. To reserve a seat, RSVP Samantha at the Southington YMCA at 860-628-5597, Ext. 350. 

Stephani L. Shivers

Groups and organizations interested in hosting a presentation of Hope Full Lives for their members may contact Stefani Shivers, MEd, OTR/L, CDP at the ARC-Ct facility at 860-628-3020 for more information. 

"The Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connecticut, Inc approaches dementia care as partners in the care of individuals with dementia, working hard to help people remain involved in performing their daily activities so they may reach their highest level of cognitive and physical health."