Walnut Hills to host two free caregiver classes with dinner included

Those caring for a spouse, parent, friend or neighbor may benefit from learning strategies for effective communication, understanding dementia-related behaviors and preventing caregiver burnout.

Walnut Hills Retirement Community will host two free caregiver classes to address these topics and to provide support and resources to caregivers.

The first class will be held Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5-7 p.m. The guest speaker that evening will be Leisha Hickenbottom, certified dementia practitioner and caregiver education coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging. She will address caregiver stress and burnout and give an overview of the resources available for caregivers.

The second class will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m. The guest speaker that evening will be Laura Strader, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. She will address communicating effectively and understanding and responding to dementia-related behavior.

Both classes are open to any unpaid caregiver, and dinner will be provided. Caregivers can attend one or both classes.

The classes will be held at the Troyer House on the campus of Walnut Hills, located at 4748 Olde Pump St. in Walnut Creek.

Reservations are required. To RSVP, call Paula Miller, resident services coordinator, at 330-893-3200 ext. 1354.