LISBON FALLS — The Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, is offering the Savvy Caregiver Program, a training program specifically for family members caring for a loved one at home with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

The six-week series of classes will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays, beginning Sept. 4, at the Lisbon Falls Community Library, 28 Main St. Advance registration is required and participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions.

The course will cover basic information about dementia, the impact of dementia on the person who has it, effective communication and interaction skills, disease-stage appropriate tasks and activities, techniques to deal with responsive behaviors, problem-solving skills and caregiver self-care.

The Savvy Caregiver program was originally developed by a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Family Practice and Community Health. The program is designed to train family and professional caregivers in the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to mediate the challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and to be an effective caregiver. It was further shown in research to reduce caregiver distress. Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, staff will teach the course.

The course is designed for spouses, siblings, adult children and significant others of individuals who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or one of the related dementias.

Participation is free, but space is limited. For more information or to register, call Cindy at the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, at 1-800-272-3900.