Spanish-Language Caregiver Support Group Now Offered at UAMS Schmieding Center in Springdale
| FAYETTEVILLE – A free Spanish-language caregiver support group is now being offered monthly at the UAMS Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education in Springdale for those who would like to learn about caring for an adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
This free monthly program will offer those caring for family and friends with memory issues the opportunity to discuss, share and learn from caregiving professionals. Participants can gain ideas, suggestions and resources to make daily life easier and more rewarding for both the caregiver and the care recipient.
The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the UAMS Schmieding Center, 2422 N. Thompson St. in Springdale. Registration is not required, but appreciated at 479-751-3043. Carlos Garbutt, a certified bilingual interpreter who has a master’s degree in divinity, theological and ministerial studies from Andrews University, will facilitate.
“Dementia strikes many families in every community,” said Brandi Schneider, director of administration and aging services at the Schmieding Center. “It is a very hard disease to manage as a family and as a caregiver. We recognize that all families need help, regardless of what language they speak. We want to be certain we are reaching into every community to meet the needs of caregivers.”
Family caregivers include anyone who helps with care, including managing a family member’s medications, talking to doctors and nurses on their behalf, or simply preparing their meals and doing a few household chores. The Schmieding Center has been offering an English-language caregiver support group for about 15 years.
About 80% of Arkansas’ older population who are still living in their home depend on family and friends for assistance. Dementia care at home can become more and more challenging. A better understanding of the disease may help families care for their loved one.
The Spanish-language group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For other caregiver support groups, visit the calendar of events at https://uamscaregiving.org/springdale/community-programs/events/.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise including its hospital, regional clinics and clinics it operates or staffs in cooperation with other providers. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. U.S. News & World Report named UAMS Medical Center the state’s Best Hospital; ranked its ear, nose and throat program among the top 50 nationwide; and named six areas as high performing — cancer, colon cancer surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, knee replacement and lung cancer surgery. UAMS has 2,727 students, 870 medical residents and five dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health.
The UAMS Northwest Regional Campus includes 250 medical, pharmacy, nursing and health professions students, 50 medical and pharmacy residents, and 1,000 community-based faculty. The campus has nine clinics including a student-led clinic and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Faculty conduct research to reduce health disparities. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.