The Oregonian – Oregon Live
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An estimated 7 million Americans over age 65 are currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia, a staggering figure published in the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures report.
“We know that this is going to be a growing challenge with the aging population and longer lifespans,” explained Morgan Cairns for Oregon Care Partners, “We’re going to see more adults, unfortunately, aging into the group experiencing dementia-related changes or needing some form of care in the near future.”
While the number may be difficult to comprehend, what it means for Oregon’s families is that more and more people will require care, with care responsibilities often starting at home. The report also noted, that in 2023, over 170,000 Oregonians were providing unpaid support and care for individuals living with dementia, which does not include the many professionals who also provide long-term care support for individuals affected by dementia.
Caring for someone, especially a spouse or family member, experiencing dementia-related changes can be scary, overwhelming and emotionally challenging, but thanks to the free educational resources available through Oregon Care Partners, anyone can build the skills needed to feel confident and prepared to support the person in their care.
Since 2014, Oregon Care Partners has equipped families and professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional care for aging Oregonians, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, by offering free educational resources and supports at absolutely no cost.
“It’s important to know you’re not alone, and help is available,” said Cairns.
OCP’s comprehensive catalog offers flexible learning options including in-person and online classes and webinars, providing access to essential information and effective care strategies fitting into caregivers’ busy schedules. Their expert training team is comprised of Positive Approach to Care® certified dementia care specialists, nurses, pharmacists and other experienced adult care educators who are passionate about helping families and professionals provide quality care.
To date, over 116,535 Oregonians have taken OCP’s classes with over 869,700 classes completed. No number can describe, however, the countless lives that have been improved thanks to their compassionate, person-centered curricula and supportive trainers.
“This program is made possible thanks to Oregon being a leader and innovator in older adult care. Our state prioritizes quality long-term care services and supports family members to keep their loved one at home as long as possible,” said Cairns.
Oregon Care Partners collaborates with leading organizations in the state who share a passion and commitment to older adult care, like the Alzheimer’s Association.
To date, over 116,535 Oregonians have taken OCP’s classes with over 869,700 classes completed. No number can describe, however, the countless lives that have been improved thanks to their compassionate, person-centered curricula and supportive trainers. (Courtesy: Oregon Care Partners)
“There is excellent free training through Oregon Care Partners and it has helped me to be a better caregiver to my brother,” said Michelle Chylik, who stated her OCP classes were not only indispensable when she had to step in as a family care partner, but also helped her find support and encouragement during a challenging time. “I am not alone. I feel like I belong when I am in an in-person class through Oregon Care Partners. It’s an awesome feeling!”
The free classes cover a wide range of topics from dementia care and communication strategies to fall prevention and dealing with grief. The curriculum centers on person-centered care, which emphasizes care is never one size fits all. This helps families make informed decisions about their loved one’s care and well-being while keeping the person and their preference at the center of the decision-making process.
“Family members know their person better than anyone else. Our classes focus on how to use the knowledge of your loved one or the person in your care to meet their needs in a way that promotes their abilities and honors who they are as a person, enabling them to continue leading an engaged and meaningful life,” Cairns elaborated.
In addition to a searchable website where anyone can explore classes by topic and location, Oregon Care Partners offers support via phone and email, so you can reach out for help and find class topics and connect to resources for their specific needs.
More knowledge means better care for those affected by dementia, but most importantly, for the caregivers themselves.
“Dignity for all involved is so important,” said Cairns. It’s not only person-centered care for people receiving care, but it’s also dignity and care for individuals as care partners. They can give that to themselves by connecting with resources. Taking care of yourself is essential to providing the best possible care for someone else.”
About Oregon Care Partners
Oregon Care Partners is a free, high-quality education resource. Since 2014, we have helped family and professional caregivers build the knowledge and skills needed to improve the quality of life and care of older adults and people living with Alzheimer’s in Oregon.
Our evidence-based classes foster confidence and prepare caregivers to create a meaningful difference in the lives of the people in their care. Caregivers learn to practice a person-centered approach to care that recognizes and incorporates an individual’s personal history, preferences and abilities into every aspect of care to meet their physical, mental, and emotional health needs and promote overall well-being.
Caregivers frequently manage stressful, challenging and emotional situations that make them vulnerable to fatigue and burnout. Learning how to provide care and knowing what to expect, can reduce caregiving-related stress and lead to more positive interactions and outcomes. Our classes also encourage self-care and personal wellness to limit the impacts of caregiving and enable caregivers to sustain their ability to provide the best possible support and care.
Thanks to funding from the State, Oregon Care Partners services are available to anyone living or working in Oregon. Every person involved in the care or support of an older adult is encouraged to create a free account and explore how free classes can help.
