Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the world – selfless, tireless and devoted to their loved ones. It is a hard job full of struggles, and yet these people go quietly about their duties on a daily basis. They have my deepest respect.

To make their lives a bit easier, Bangor Adult Education and Kindred Healthcare will offer free caregiver workshops at Bangor High School for four weeks beginning 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 17.

If you are a caregiver for a person with memory loss or dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, this series is for you.

“Someone who’s caring for a parent, spouse, family member or friend who needs assistance with managing their appointments and finances; planning and preparing meals; or with their personal care, is considered a caregiver,” said Kristie Miner, director of the Reflections Program at Westgate Manor and volunteer for the Maine Alzheimer’s Association.

“This series of classes is designed to provide these caregivers with information and tools to help them in the task of care-giving, and we hope people will join us for one or more of these programs,” she said.

So what can you expect from these workshops?

. March 17: Memory Loss: What Causes it and What to do about it, taught by Dr. Henry Atkins, certified in geriatrics, Stillwater Family Medicine. The class will give caregivers a chance to speak with a physician without their loved ones present.

“It’s often hard to describe to physicians what exactly is going on with loved ones as oftentimes people with dementia do not recognize that they have problems,” said Miner. “Dr. Atkins will address challenges that the family is facing and then structure his talk to the needs of the audience.

“He usually covers basics about diagnoses for people with memory loss, types of dementia and possible medical and behavioral interventions,” Miner said. “We hope people will leave the session with a better idea of how to talk with their loved one’s physician in order to maximize treatment.”

. March 24: Keeping Our Minds Sharp as We Age. Taught by Miner, this class is “stimulating and fun and provides tips for keeping our minds in tiptop shape as the years roll by,” she said.

The class also covers how to recognize when memory loss can be the symptom of a more serious condition and asks the age-old question, “Is everyone destined to have forgetful ‘senior moments’ as they grow older?” Included will be steps that people can take to keep their minds sharp.

. March 31: Legal Tool Kit for Seniors. Taught by Jane Skelton, attorney, Skelton Law Offices. The class will help people understand the legal and financial needs of someone with memory loss, which can be overwhelming.

“This class will provide caregivers with the information they need in order to put affairs in order for their loved one and in planning for their own long-term care needs,” said Miner.

The session also will cover long-term care insurance with Peter Gavett, long-term care specialist, and will help you understand the world of Medicare benefits with Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s own Dyan Walsh.

. April 7: How to Approach Challenges When Caring for Someone with Memory Loss. Taught by registered nurse Tamera Leland, director of nurses at Westgate Manor. The class will cover what to do and what not to do when communicating with and managing behaviors of people with memory problems.

“Caregivers will learn what causes challenging behaviors and leave with tools on how to manage these challenges, which can be a major stress reducer as the caregiver will feel more in control,” said Miner.

To register for one or more of these free workshops, call the Bangor Adult Education Office at 941-6310.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865 or 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.