This spring, Lyngblomsten Community Services and Borrow My Glasses will be offering WOOP for Dementia Caregivers, a three-week online program that will empower persons who are caring for an adult living with dementia.

In this program, participants will learn about a simple, evidence-based strategy called WOOP, which stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. Supported by years of research, WOOP helps people focus on what they can control and turn their important wishes into action plans. The program offers community, support, and validation for caregivers as they learn with one another in WOOP Groups.

“WOOP Groups are a great opportunity for family caregivers to come together and support one another while learning a new technique that is proven to decrease stress and improve well-being” said Julie Pfab, Director of Lyngblomsten Community Services. “We are excited to offer this innovative approach and I hope caregivers find this strategy immensely helpful.”

Lyngblomsten Community Services is offering the WOOP Groups in partnership with Borrow My Glasses, an education and evaluation company focused on bringing new perspectives to issues of aging, caregiving, and dementia. They will be facilitated by Donna Fedus, MA, a gerontologist and founder of Borrow My Glasses.

“I’ve seen how a small investment of time to learn the four-step WOOP strategy gives caregivers a valuable tool they can use months and even years later,” Fedus said. “We’re delighted to partner with Lyngblomsten to share WOOP for Dementia Caregivers.”

To help make the WOOP Groups as accessible as possible, two options are being offered: Wednesdays, March 18 and 25 and April 1 from 10:30–11:30 AM or Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 from 4–5 PM.

For those who want to learn more about WOOP before joining, virtual information sessions are available on Wednesday, March 11, from 10:30–11:30 AM or on Tuesday, April 7, from 4–5 PM.

Registration for the information sessions and WOOP Groups is required. To learn more or register, visit www.Lyngblomsten.org/WOOP or contact Lyngblomsten Community Services at 651.632.5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org.

These WOOP for Dementia Caregivers Groups are funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act. There is no cost to attend but all participants will be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost.

Lyngblomsten Community Services is part of Lyngblomsten, a Minnesota nonprofit offering healthcare, housing, and services for older adults since 1906. Community Services offers support and resources to family caregivers living in the Twin Cities through resource navigation, education, support groups, and The Gathering, a group respite program that provides four hours of enrichment to adults living with early- to mid-stage memory loss. Learn more at www.Lyngblomsten.org/CommunityServices.