Loss and grief are emotions felt by families and caretakers of Alzheimer's patients. While the patients lose control of their mental and physical faculties, caregivers are often left feeling helpless and desolate.

A new research project in Campbell River is focusing on helping caregivers deal with these emotions and offers free coaching to those in need.

Project leader Dr. Penny MacCourt, from the Centre on Aging at University of Victoria says, "There is relatively little information about grief, or how to address it, associated with progressive cognitive decline or dementia".

MacCourt stresses the importance of this research project because she believes that if the grief of the caregiver is not addressed and taken care of, it can compound with other stress and lead to negative health consequences.

The project allows participants to take help from home while connecting with other caregivers or from other participants who have completed the course. The latter is deemed most effective according to feedback.

The project is open to any person who is providing care to a family member suffering from dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada, in collaboration with Vancouver Island Health Authority and the Alzheimer Society of B. C are the sponsors of this project.