Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can leave family members feeling overwhelmed, isolated and unsure where to turn. JFS Richmond’s F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. program is designed to make sure caregivers don’t have to navigate that journey alone.
Chris Nufer, a Licensed Professional Counselor with JFS Richmond, has delivered the F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. program for 10 years, first through the University of Virginia Department of Neurology and the Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and now through JFS Richmond.
F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. stands for Family Access to Memory Impairment and Loss Information, Engagement and Supports. The program provides caregivers with counseling, resources, planning, education, advocacy and support over several months. Participants take part in seven counseling sessions, including individual sessions and meetings with family members or friends they choose to involve.
“The F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. Program is offered to family caregivers – spouses or children– living with the trauma of having a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia,” Chris said.
The program is based on the New York University Caregiver Intervention and uses Person-Centered Trauma-Informed principles. Its goal is to reduce caregiver stress and depression while helping families develop the support and coping skills they need.
Chris recently shared the story of a participant he calls “Sally,” a mental health professional whose husband, “Jim,” developed Alzheimer’s disease. As Jim’s condition progressed, he became increasingly confused, angry and resistant to outside help. Sally found herself providing 24/7 care while trying to hide the situation from her children and friends.
“For Sally, every day was chaos,” Chris said. “Everyday more and more stressful.”
Eventually, a neighbor told Sally about F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. During her first session, she was able to talk openly about the fear, anger and resentment she had been carrying.
Together, Sally and Chris developed a plan that focused on one of her biggest challenges: her reluctance to ask for help. Sally eventually built a care team that included her children, sister, friends, pastor, Jim’s brother and neighbors.
The group created a shared calendar, coordinated care and helped Sally find additional support, including a caregiver support group and potential memory care options.
By the end of the program, Sally’s perspective had changed.
“I never expected that there could be hope in this journey,” Sally said. “Being able to connect with people, and know I am not alone, it made all the difference.”
For Chris, Sally’s experience illustrates the purpose of F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S., which is recognizing the trauma caregivers experience and creating a plan around their individual needs.
“F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. recognizes the traumatic effect that Alzheimer’s and other dementias can have on individual caregivers and their families,” Chris said.
The program ultimately aims to remind caregivers that asking for help is not a weakness; it is part of building a sustainable support system.
As Nufer puts it, family caregivers are the “under-recognized heroes of dementia care in our society.”
If you or someone you know is interested in the F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. program, contact us today by going to JFSRichmond.org/care/families/ or by calling (804) 282-5644.
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