Alzheimer's Association to offer program series in Spanish

YONKERS - The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter will hold a free Spanish-language program series for caregivers called “Café y Algo Más” at Montefiore CMO, Suite 111, 100 Corporate Drive.

The program, which will be held from 6-7 p.m on selected dates every month from April to September, will focus on different Alzheimer’s-related subjects at each session, which will also include support group-style discussions.

It will be co-moderated by Theresa Lopez, Community Engagement Manager, Diversity Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, and Sonia Martinez, President of Martinez and Associates in White Plains. Martinez has personal experience with Alzheimer’s, as both her uncle and her father had the disease. She serves on the board of directors for the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter and participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and advocacy by the Alzheimer's Association.

Martinez noted that providing programs and services in Spanish is important particularly for Hispanic seniors, who may not be fluent in English.

“In order to create opportunities for Hispanics to overcome cultural barriers to obtaining care for dementia and Alzheimer’s and raise awareness, it is important to provide materials, programs and activities in Spanish,” Martinez said. “This is especially true for the Hispanic senior population who may not be fluent in English. Being able to participate in events with other Spanish-speaking individuals will allow them to open up, increase their awareness regarding resources available and seek services at an early stage.”

Lopez emphasized value of the program’s dual aspect as both an educational opportunity and a support group.

“Café y Algo Más offers both support and education for Spanish-speaking caregivers,” said Lopez. “As a support group facilitator and educator, I have seen the benefits that both support and education have for caregivers.

“Support groups provide caregivers with a safe place to connect and share challenges they face as they care for a loved one with dementia. They are a great way to learn from other caregivers and build a support system away from home,” she said. “Since Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease, caregivers may need to adapt to some changes. Education programs offer caregivers resourceful information on techniques and helps them better understand the disease.”

Meg Boyce, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, said the series reflects the organization’s goals.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this series to our Spanish-speaking constituents in the Hudson Valley,” she said. “Making sure we reach the Hispanic community is an essential part of our mission as an organization.”

The dates and subjects of the sessions are below:

April 15: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Learn the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general.

May 30: Dementia Conversations – Advice for loved ones on how to handle difficult dementia-related conversations such as doctor visits, when to stop driving, etc.

June 17: Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors: Learn tactics for handling common troublesome behaviors that tend to arise when someone has dementia.

July 15: Effective Communication Strategies – Get tips for communicating more effectively with loved ones who are suffering from dementia.

Aug. 19: Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease: Learn about plans that need to be put in place and forms to complete following a dementia diagnosis.

Sept. 16: Open Conversation.

Click here to RSVP or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. These programs are supported in part by a grant from the New York Department of Health. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.