FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital will host a free 12-hour training program that will provide family caregivers of people with dementia the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for successful caregiving.

The program will begin on Friday, Jan. 14, and continue weekly from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays through Feb. 18 in the Allen Room.

The program objectives include learning what dementia is and how it affects personality and behavior; developing a sense of mastery in the caregiving role and how to care for yourself; and how to effectively interact with a loved one and manage challenging behaviors.

The program titled, “Maine Savvy Caregiver,” is sponsored by the Office of Elder Services and Department of Health and Human Services and is funded by the Administration on Aging.

Participation in the training that is provided in six sessions includes participation in a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. As part of that evaluation, caregivers will be asked to complete surveys.

Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, at 1-800-272-3900.