Jewish Association on Aging To Host Local Workshops for Caregivers of Those Suffering from Dementia

PITTSBURGH, PA, August 14, 2008 – The Jewish Association on Aging (JAA), which advocates for and provides a continuum of care for seniors in the greater Pittsburgh community, announced today that it will be delivering a series of six free workshops to help better educate residents who care for older family members suffering from cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The workshops, entitled “Get Smart about Brain Health,” will deliver information about how caregivers can better meet the needs of those suffering from cognitive impairment as well as how caregivers can proactively safeguard their own cognitive health.

The workshops are being funded in part by the AT&T Family Care Development Fund and were developed by LifeCare^®, Inc., a leading provider of work/life programs and Successful Aging^SM services to employers nationwide. The workshops will be led by Hilary Kramer, LSW, Social Worker with Sivitz Jewish Hospice, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. She also acts as a liaison for the coordination of community resources and caregiving issues. Ms. Kramer's special interests lie in ethics and patient advocacy.

“We're delighted to deliver these workshops to the caregivers of the greater Pittsburgh area, thanks to the generous support from AT&T,” said Ms. Kramer. “All caregivers—but family caregivers, in particular—are in need of this kind of information and guidance. According to recent studies, 70 percent of people suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia live at home and are cared for by family members. The information we have to share at these workshops will improve the caregiving experience for everyone involved. Too often, caregivers neglect their own health when caring for their loved ones. Our workshops are designed to make sure that doesn't happen.”

The workshops will focus on how to better communicate with and meet the needs of individuals suffering from dementia, the 10 key steps to taking better care of one's memory, the roles and importance of nutrition and physical activity, and more. Participants also will be given a special kit, created by LifeCare, that contains a variety of helpful products and educational materials aimed at providing memory stimulation and enhancing communication between caregiver and care recipient.

The schedule for the workshops is:

Those interested in attending any of the workshops should call Hilary Kramer at 412-422-5700 to reserve a spot, as attendance will be limited.

Notes to Editors

Hilary Kramer is available for interview. Please call her at 412-422-5700.

LifeCare's Dr. Barney Spivack is also available for interview.

About the Jewish Association on Aging
The Jewish Association on Aging serves the older population of the Greater Pittsburgh community, their families, and their caregivers. Our mission is to assure and coordinate a comprehensive network of quality services and facilities emphasizing Jewish values and maximizing the independence of the aging population we serve. For more information, visit www.jaapgh.com.

About LifeCare^®, Inc.
LifeCare offers cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve clients' bottom line. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170