Feb. 21-Hurley Medical Center is co-sponsoring a program for family members caring for a loved one with dementia and/or memory loss, along with the Alzheimers Association and Valley Area Agency on Aging.

The program, Creating Confident Caregivers, utilizes the Savvy Caregiver Program, a university-tested program for family members caring for a loved one with dementia at home. Led by dementia care specialists, the two-hour sessions are held once a week for six weeks and provide participants with information, skills and attitudes to manage stress and increase effective caregiving skills.

Attendees will learn about:

■  Dementia and its effects on the brain
■  Caregiver resources
■  Managing behaviors
■  Improving caregiving skills
■  How to handle everyday activities more easily
■  Taking care of yourself to better care for your loved one

The 6-week FREE series takes place March 1-April 5, 2012; sessions are on Thursdays from 2-4pm at the Hurley Health Services Board Room, Hurley West Flint Campus, 1085 S. Linden Rd., Flint MI 48532 (in the small green glass building on Hurley’s West Campus). FREE RESPITE CARE is offered for family members with memory loss so that caregivers can attend classes.

To register or obtain more information, call the Central Michigan Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900 or 989-839-9910) or email patricia.meyer@alz.org.