Cape Fear Area Organizations Collaborating To Launch New Caregiver Academy

The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter, Cape Fear Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging and LifeCare Memory Partners have announced a new collaborative program called the Caregiver Academy. This new resource will deliver immense value to caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and forms of dementia through evidence-based education and peer-to-peer support across the Cape Fear Region.

The need for greater access to caregiver resources is evident and growing. According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, eighty-three percent of the help provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. And nearly half of all caregivers who provide help to older adults do so for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. 

Currently, there are more than 369,000 caregivers in North Carolina providing care to more than 180,000 living with Alzheimer’s. The counties in the Cape Fear Region have the following Alzheimer’s disease prevalence rates in their age 65 and older populations: Brunswick County (8.9%), Columbus County (12.9%), New Hanover (11%) and Pender County (10.9%). 

“At the Alzheimer’s Association, we believe all communities must have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care,” says Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We believe this should be reflected in the initiatives we pursue and the partnerships we form, like the Caregiver Academy for which we are proud to be a founding organization.”

The Caregiver Academy is the result of years of collaboration and resource sharing between all three organizations that support the Cape Fear regional area.

“We are thrilled to further our existing partnerships with the Alzheimer’s Association and Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging,” Evan Dressel, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare director of strategy, program development, and innovation said.  “One of the first steps we took in forming Caregiver Academy was to step back and reflect on the unique strengths of each organization. This ensures that we are bringing the best possible programming to the region. LifeCare Memory Partners brings a unique perspective as the leading provider of comprehensive dementia care in the Cape Fear region. Leveraging the collective strength of these organizations in research, advocacy, clinical care, and caregiver resources will allow us to reach more people across a broader geography.”

The Caregiver Academy will kick off this spring. These upcoming programs highlight the types of programs that will be offered through the collaboration. More programs will be added and offered monthly.

“Simple Strategies for Caregivers to Manage Money and Prevent Fraud” — will take place on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at LifeCare Corporate Office, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington. This program, facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP will help families learn about the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning, and teach attendees how to avoid financial abuse and fraud, start a conversation about finances, assess financial and legal needs, and find support. This program will be presented by Joshua Rosenberg, ChFC, CLU, CCFC, a volunteer Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator and Renée Sanders-Lawson, Ph.D., an AARP volunteer.

“Savvy Caregiver” — is a 3-week course meeting on Tuesdays from Feb. 27 through Mar. 12. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport Supply Rd SE, Southport. Ths evidence-based multi-week group program equips caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and sense of confidence and competence needed for effective dementia caregiving. It focuses on guiding a person living with dementia through days that are safe, calm, and pleasant as possible. It provides strategies for caregiver self-care, decision-making, and seeking help from others. This program will be presented by Candy Lee, RN, LifeCare Memory Partners Program Manager.

“Columbus County Caregiver Support Group” — will take place on the second Thursday of each month on Feb. 8 and Mar. 14 from 1-2:30 p.m. at Whiteville United Methodist Church, 902 Pinckney St., Whiteville. A welcoming support group, dedicated to connecting people who are caring for a loved one with memory loss. Participants learn from each other as well as a variety of relevant guest speakers. This group is facilitated by Kandace Gray, Caregiver Resource Specialist at Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging.

The Caregiver Academy will offer unique education programs available in-person and online with expert speakers and advice, guest panelists, and opportunities for discussion. Programs are open to the general public and individuals and families impacted by dementia. There is no charge to participate, but registration for programs is required for planning purposes. 

To learn more about the Caregiver Academy visit CaregiverAcademyNC.org or call LifeCare Memory Partners at 800-733-1476.

“The Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging is pleased to collaborate in offering these educational opportunities for caregivers in our four-county region,” Holly Pilson, director for Cape Fear Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging shared. “These partnerships are so important to ensure we reach as many caregivers as possible.  Research has indicated that educating caregivers, enhancing their skills and abilities, and offering supportive services such as support groups can empower caregivers to provide care for longer periods, which can reduce caregiver stress, depression, and anxiety. Ultimately, this support can help caregivers sustain their roles and, in turn, avoid or delay the need for expensive institutional care.”