November is National Family Caregivers Month and also National Alzheimer's Disease Month! During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor caregivers for their dedication and vital role they play in caring for those in need. We especially honor those caregivers who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.

The fourth annual Coping and Caring Caregiver Workshop will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 75 North St., Auburn. This free workshop, organized by the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, is entitled “Alzheimer's Disease: Practical Solutions and Stress Management” and will feature two speakers, a vendor fair and brunch.

Dr. David Strickland is the director of Auburn Memorial Hospital's Center for Behavioral Health. His practice specializes in adult and geriatric psychiatry. At the Nov. 7 workshop, he will be discussing how to cope with difficult behaviors in those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. He will also be addressing medication management issues and best practices, so caregivers can have a better understanding of possible side effects versus potential benefits of medications.

Dr. Danielle Ryan received her doctor of chiropractic degree from the New York Chiropractic College. She will be doing a presentation on the importance of stress management for caregivers with an emphasis on proper lifestyle modifications to enhance overall wellness and prevention of disease.

This free caregiver workshop is made possible through a generous grant from Nucor Steel Auburn Inc. To register for the workshop and brunch, contact the Cayuga County Office For the Aging at 253-1226 by Nov. 2.

The Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Community Service Program is a program at the Office for the Aging that specifically supports caregivers of individuals with memory loss or dementia. Efforts focus on providing caregiving training, education and personalized support to the caregiver and their families. The program also organizes support groups in various parts of the county. If you are interested in receiving support, contact Corinne Ryan at 253-1104.

In celebration of National Family Caregiving and Alzheimer's Disease months, please remember to honor and support the family members, friends and neighbors you know who provide care to their loved ones. A little bit of help and support can go a long way to ease the burden and make them feel that they aren't doing it all themselves. Take time to “care for the caregiver.”

Janet Taylor is an Aging Services Specialist for the Cayuga County Office for the Aging