Programs To Help Cope Through The Holidays

SOUTHBURY — Whether it is time to carve the turkey, light the menorah, decorate the tree, or exchange gifts, families and friends who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias often find the holidays a particularly stressful time.

On Monday, November 17, from 1 to 2:30 pm, Brownstein Jewish Family Service is sponsoring a program called Keeping Connected Through the Holidays. Carolyn DeRocco, Northwestern regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, will be the facilitator.

Ms. DeRocco will offer holiday hints both for people who are in long-term care facilities and those who are cared for at home. She will speak about how to prepare a person with Alzheimer’s disease for visitors and holiday activities.

She will also discuss the warning signs of caregiver stress and coping strategies. Great gift ideas for someone with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers will be covered as well. Information packets will be distributed and light refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited and reservations are requested.

In related news, Brownstein Jewish Family Service is offering a special one-time program to help people cope with grief over the holidays. Cecilia Baranowski, the bereavement coordinator for Hospice and Palliative Care of CT VNA, will facilitate a program on “Surviving the Holidays Without Your Loved One” on Thursday, November 20, at 1 pm.

She will give suggestions to help family members cope with their feelings and understand how the holiday experience, though painful, can be successfully celebrated. She will also discuss self-care during this vulnerable time.

This free program is open to adults of all faiths. It takes place at the Jewish Federation, 444 Main Street North in Southbury.

For more information and to register for all programs, call Debby Horowitz, Brownstein JFS director, at 203-267-3177, extension 105. The Jewish Federation is at 444 Main Street North.