Memory Caregiver Academy of Austin shapes future dementia caregivers with training

“I started getting phone calls from all the caregivers needing some extra help at home because they couldn't take their family members anywhere,” Wilder said. “I kept thinking, ‘Gosh, we need to do something to get some more caregivers out there.’”

Marketing and outreach support specialist Rose Berg said the nonprofit typically works in underserved communities with larger Spanish-speaking populations, including areas in North Austin and East Austin.

This January the organization is partnering with Northeast Early College High School, Manor Senior High School and Summit Christian Academy in Cedar Park.

Throughout the training, students are shown videos created by Wilder and her team. The videos express tips on how to be empathetic and patient with people experiencing memory loss, including simplifying daily routines.

“People experiencing this kind of memory loss might see things that aren't true and you don't ever correct them,” Wilder said. “You just say, ‘Oh OK, yeah, that's great. I didn't know that it was raining outside when it's a perfectly sunny day.’ So, it's really just emphasizing that kind of support.”

“We have placed a number of students in memory care facilities after they finish the course and a number of them just have family members that they're still caring for at home,” Wilder said.

Get involved

The nonprofit also operates a mentoring program where individuals with experience caring for people with memory loss can guide students through resume building, figure out additional training and more.

Community members can also find volunteer opportunities at the organization’s events. Volunteer activities may include setting up, handing out supplies, cleaning and more.

• Facebook: Memory Caregiver Academy of Austin
• www.mcaaustin.org