University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Offers Day of Respite for Caregivers

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 2, 2007) — Caring for a loved one with a memory impairment takes time and stamina. Pile on the other demands of life—work and other family members—and it’s easy for caregivers and their needs to get lost in the mix.

Hoping to give caregivers the support and resources they need to get through the hard times, Cal State Northridge’s Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program and the California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association are offering those who care for loved ones with memory loss a day of information, education and relaxation on Saturday, April 14.

The sixth annual "This Day’s For You," will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Northridge Center of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue.

"There are 5.1 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease, and more than 40 percent of these unpaid family caregivers report high levels of emotional stress," said associate health sciences professor Debra Sheets, coordinator of the gerontology program, and CSUN’s Clifford Todd Distinguished Professor of Gerontology. "Our event provides hope and help to caregivers so that they can cope more effectively with the special challenges of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease."

The day will offer family caregivers an opportunity to learn about current research and trends in Alzheimer’s disease as well as identifying the early stages of memory loss. Sessions include massages, information on guided imagery, music therapy and a presentation on building memories through scrapbooking. Information about support groups will be available.

More than two dozen aging-care professionals as well as representatives from several geriatric care facilities and providers will be participating in the event.

Registration is $12 and includes the sessions, resource materials, a continental breakfast and lunch. Parking is $4. Respite care is available on a limited basis. For information on respite care at the conference, call Sandra Nelson at (818) 456-2642.

For more information about the event or to pre-register, call the Alzheimer’s Association at (818) 677-4404.