The Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host the third program in its three-part series at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center. The first in the series focused on the basics of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, while the second one focused on how communication is the key to understanding behaviors of those afflicted with the disease. This third and final program in the series will address the needs of the caregiver.

“The Caregiver: Are Your Needs Being Met?” will be presented by Michelle Foster-Carter, education specialist at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can become an overwhelming experience. Often times, caregivers neglect their own well-being because they are spending so much time with the duties of day-to-day arriving. This program will examine the symptoms of caregiver stress and offer strategies towards becoming a healthier caregiver and setting realistic expectations for themselves and the person they care for,” she explained.

Library director Jenifer May noted that memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s affect many families. “This was an important series that focused on a spectrum of diseases that affect many families. I’m especially pleased to see that the needs of the caregiver will be addressed in this, the third program in the series, because the caregiver, who plays such an important role in the process, often is forgotten in the process of caring for the patient. Education is a good thing, and we are fortunate to have Michele Foster-Carter, who is so knowledgeable on this topic, presenting this series,” May noted.

Registration for the free program is suggested and can be done by calling the library at 201-330-2083. For additional information on Alzheimer’s disease or support to individuals, families and caregivers coping with it, call the Alzheimer’s helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/nj.