Let's help those who are caring for someone with dementia learn to cook.

Lenny took his wife out for fast food. They both were gaining weight from eating this type of food. His secret came out-he didn't know how to cook. In addition, he was not used to asking for help, let alone attending a support group. After the cooking classes, not only could Lenny cook basic meals, but he made friends with other caregivers traveling along the same journey. These male caregivers met often until Lenny's passing.

We stereotype family caregivers to be middle-aged women caring for their relatives. Caregiving is changing. AARP reports that 40% of caregivers in America are now men. Caregiving is a hard and arduous job. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or related dementia can be an even greater burden to bear. Many men have relied on their wives to do all the cooking and cleaning. When the roles change many men are lost. They cannot cook and the result is fast food dining. This is not healthy for the caregiver nor for the one with the disease.

ADS is offering classes in which male caregivers will learn basic cooking skills in a six-session course. These novice cooks will make tempting meals and learn not to burn the bacon. The course will cover nutrition, changes in their loved one's eating habits as the disease progresses, and food sampling.

These cooking classes will give the male caregivers a chance to meet other men experiencing the same emotions and physical challenges as they are and can talk, cook and bond throughout the classes. At the end of the class, each caregiver is given the basic cooking tools; small crock pot, small grill, rice steamer, and essential cookware to take home along with the cooked food and raw ingredients to practice at home.

Click the link for more information about Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Memphis Inc (ADS). The mission of ADS is to help persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders live their lives with dignity and respect while providing relief to their caregivers and support to their families.

Thank you for your consideration!