Free Classes for Family Caregivers

The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, is offering its free Powerful Tools for Caregivers series on Wednesdays from Aug. 1 to Sept. 5. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend with a chronic illness.

The Moncks Corner classes are 6 to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday from Aug. 7 to Sept. 11 at Roper Hospital — Berkeley.

This program, taught by certified leaders, helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. Attendees will benefit from this class whether they are helping a parent, spouse, or friend who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. Registration is required and class size is limited. To register, call (843) 459-4751 or visit www.thearkofsc.org.

Scholarships are available for caregivers who need someone to care for their loved one while attending this class. For more details, contact The ARK at (843) 832-2357.

In South Carolina, there are 81,000 people age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease. Nearly 8,000 families in the Charleston area care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related memory disorder. South Carolina has the eighth highest Alzheimer's death rate in America. Since 1996, families have been turning to The ARK for support, resources, education and respite.