Students to share understanding of what it’s like to be caregivers

March 27, 2009 | Events, UToday
By Megan Lewis



UT medical students enrolled in Family Caregiving in Dementia will share their experiences Monday, March 30, from noon to 1 p.m. in Health Education Building Room 105 on Health Science Campus.

This class was started four years ago by Carole Young, director of the Academic Test Center on Health Science Campus, after her husband died from Alzheimer’s disease.

Young felt it was important to increase students’ knowledge about the progression of dementia and its health effects on caregivers after her health deteriorated while caring for her husband.

“Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients have the highest suicide rate of all caregivers, so it’s important to be aware of their health issues,” Young said.

During this course, students are paired with family caregivers who act as the students’ mentors by helping them better understand the challenges caregivers face.

The students will talk about what they learned, from the patient/caregiver relationship to the diagnosis process.

In addition, a mentor will be present to share how the course has impacted her life.

For more information on this free, public event, call Young at 419.383.6566.

Click to access the login or register cheese